Anti-Theft Carrying Straps

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, a carrying bag is disclosed which includes a one or more security panel assemblies comprising a first flexible material layer and a polymeric fiber matrix, such as a polymer fiber-based cut-resistant fabric, matrix or mesh. Various carrying straps are disclosed which include a first flexible fabric or webbing; and a second flexible fabric or webbing comprising a polymeric fiber matrix. Additional polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns may be included in the security panel assemblies and straps, such as cut-resistant monofilament and multifilament fibers comprised of a polyethylene such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE), or High Performance Polyethylene (HPPE), for example.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is nonprovisional of and claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/695,994, filedJul. 10, 2018, inventors Donald E. Godshaw et al., titled “Anti-TheftCarrying Bags and Carrying Straps”, which is commonly assigned herewith,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference withthe same full force and effect as if set forth in its entirety herein,and with priority claimed for all commonly disclosed subject matter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to various types of carrying bags and, moreparticularly, to a cut or slash-resistant carrying bag with a cut orslash-resistant security panel for carrying bags such as purses,backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, luggage, and so on, and to cut orslash-resistant carrying straps which may be used with such carryingbags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handbags, travel bags, purses, backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases,waist packs, draw-string sacks, suitcases, luggage and other types ofcarrying bags (individually and collectively referred to as “bag(s)” or“carrying bag(s)”) are often made from flexible materials such as cloth,canvas, nylon, ballistic nylon, leather and similar materials. Such bagstypically include one or more interior chambers through which access maybe gained by an opening in the top or side of the bag. Such bags alsooften include a carry (or carrying) strap which is typically connectedbetween opposite sides of the bag. Additionally, such bags often alsoinclude multiple side pockets with top and/or side access openings.

On occasion, such bags are subject to theft or attempted theft. Forexample, often a bag may be hung or supported by the bag carrying (orcarry) strap on a chair or a hook or the like. In such circumstances, athief may “snatch” the bag by grabbing the carrying strap and departing.Another scheme that has been used by thieves is to use a sharpinstrument, such as a knife or box cutter, to cut through the soft-sidedmaterial comprising the bag, and thereby gain access to the contentswhich may be lifted through the cut opening in the bag, or which mayfall out from the cut opening of the bag when a lower part of the baghas been slashed. Yet another scheme that has been used by thievesincludes various types of pickpocketing, such as by unzipping a zipperin either a stealth manner or while the bag's owner is distracted, andthereby gaining access to the bag's contents while undetected by thebag's owner.

Of additional concern are situations in which a bag may be leftunattended or in which the bag's owner may be inattentive or distracted,for any period of time, including brief periods of time. For example,people at a beach may carry their belongings in a purse, a beach bag, abackpack, and so on, and desire to leave the carrying bag on the beachwhile they swim, wade, splash or surf in the water. In suchcircumstances, a person's attention is often on their activities, andthe carrying bag is not being observed at all or most times, and such anunattended carrying bag is a prime target for potential theft. In othercircumstances, the owner of the bag may be inattentive or distracted,such as intentionally distracted by groups or teams of thieves orpickpockets.

While the bag is unattended or the attention of the owner is diverted,moreover, a potential thief typically has considerably more time inwhich to attempt to gain access to the contents of the bag, especiallycompared with the much more rapidly occurring grabbing, pickpocketing orslashing of a carrying bag.

Accordingly, a need remains for comparatively cut or slash-resistantcarrying bags, which are relatively easy and comparatively inexpensiveto assemble, which have comparatively thin, non-bulky configurations,and which are light and flexible. A need also remains for additionalanti-theft features for carrying straps and openings of bags, to preventcutting through any strap attached to the bag while nonethelessproviding a comfortable and wearable strap, and further to preventtypical “snatching” of bags, to eliminate or diminish the potential forundetected access to the contents of the bag, while nonethelessmaintaining a comparatively flexible and attractive style of the bag forthe consumer.

SUMMARY

The representative embodiments provide comparatively cut orslash-resistant carrying bags, which are relatively easy andcomparatively inexpensive to assemble, which have comparatively thin,non-bulky configurations, and which are light and flexible. Therepresentative embodiments provide comparatively cut or slash-resistantcarrying straps, which are also relatively easy and comparativelyinexpensive to assemble, which are flexible and comfortable, such as forwearing by a consumer without the strap or parts of the strap digging into the consumer's shoulder. Representative embodiments includeadditional anti-theft features for carrying straps and bags, to toprevent cutting through any significant panels of the bag (including ator near the seams of panels forming the bag), to prevent cutting throughany strap attached to the bag, to prevent typical “snatching” of bags,and further to provide readily and easily usable locking capabilitiesfor straps, including while unattended, to eliminate or diminish thepotential for undetected access to the contents of the bag, whilenonetheless maintaining a comparatively flexible and attractive style ofthe bag for the consumer.

In a representative embodiment, a security panel assembly comprises: afirst flexible material layer having a first side and a plurality ofedges; and a polymeric fiber matrix arranged on the first side of thefirst flexible material layer, the polymeric fiber matrix comprising atleast one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiberintersections or crossings, each fiber intersection or crossingcomprising at least two sections of the at least one polymeric fiberabutting each other, the at least one polymeric fiber comprising atleast one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn.

Such a representative security panel assembly comprise may furthercomprise: a second flexible material layer arranged adjacent to thepolymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first side of the firstflexible material layer. In such an embodiment, the second flexiblematerial layer is coupled to the first flexible material layer with aplurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a plurality ofstitches and an adhesive.

In a representative embodiment, the security panel assembly has acut-resistance level to withstand an applied cutting force up to 500grams applied over 20 mm. In another representative embodiment, thesecurity panel assembly has a cut-resistance resistance level towithstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm.

In a representative embodiment, one or more portions of the polymericfiber matrix are not coupled to the first flexible material layer andextend beyond one or more the edges of the first flexible material layeror outside the periphery or circumference of the first flexible materiallayer.

In various embodiments, the at least one polymeric fiber is amultifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn. For example, themultifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn may comprise at least onepolymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn and either or both atleast one carbon fiber or at least one metallic wire, fiber, filament,cable, thread or yarn. Also for example, the multifilament fiber, cable,thread or yarn may comprise a combination of at least one first type ofcut-resistant, polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn and atleast one second, different type of polymeric fiber, filament, cable,thread or yarn.

Also for example, the at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable,thread or yarn may comprise at least one material selected from thegroup consisting of: aramid; liquid crystal polymer; polyethylene; ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) having a molecular massbetween 3.5 and 7.5 million Daltons; high-modulus polyethylene (“HMPE”);High Performance Polyethylene (“HPPE”); glass; nylon; polyester; andcombinations thereof.

In another representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix iscomprised of a plurality of knitted or woven fibers, filaments, cables,threads, or yarns to form the plurality of fiber intersections orcrossings.

In various embodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix has an area smallerthan first flexible material layer to provide at least one tab orperipheral seam region of the first flexible material layer. In anotherrepresentative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix is coupled to aplurality of strips of first flexible material layers, the plurality ofstrips of first flexible material layers extending beyond one or moreedges of the polymeric fiber matrix to form a plurality of tabs or seamregions.

In a representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix comprises amesh or netting having a plurality of bonded or coupled polymeric fiberintersections or crossings. in another representative embodiment, thepolymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns arranged in a crossing or quiltingpattern on the first side of the first flexible material layer andextending on a second side of the first flexible material layer or anintervening flexible material layer.

In a representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix is coupled tothe first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches, or withan adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.

In a representative embodiment, a carrying bag comprises: an exteriorbag having at least one opening for access to an interior of theexterior bag; and a plurality of security panel assemblies arrangedwithin the interior or coupled to the exterior bag, each security panelassembly of the plurality of security panel assemblies comprising apolymeric fiber matrix, wherein a first security panel assembly and asecond security panel assembly of the plurality of security panelassemblies are coupled to each other through at least one seamcomprising one or more stitches through each of the respective polymericfiber matrices.

In a representative embodiment, each security panel assembly of theplurality of security panel assemblies has a cut-resistance level towithstand an applied cutting force up to 500 grams applied over 20 mm.In another representative embodiment, each security panel assembly ofthe plurality of security panel assemblies has a cut-resistance level towithstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm.

In a representative embodiment, each security panel assembly of theplurality of security panel assemblies further comprises: a firstflexible material layer having a first side and a plurality of edges;wherein the polymeric fiber matrix is arranged on the first side of thefirst flexible material layer, the polymeric fiber matrix comprising atleast one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiberintersections or crossings, each fiber intersection or crossingcomprising at least two sections of the at least one polymeric fiberabutting each other, the at least one polymeric fiber comprising atleast one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn.

In another representative embodiment, each security panel assembly ofthe plurality of security panel assemblies further comprises: a secondflexible material layer arranged adjacent to the polymeric fiber matrixand coupled to the first side of the first flexible material layer. Invarious embodiments, the second flexible material layer is coupled tothe first flexible material layer with a plurality of stitches, or withan adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.

In a representative embodiment, at least one polymeric fiber matrix ofat least one security panel assembly of the plurality of security panelassemblies is comprised of a plurality of knitted or woven fibers,filaments, cables, threads, or yarns to form the plurality of fiberintersections or crossings. In a representative embodiment the polymericfiber matrix has an area smaller than first flexible material layer toprovide at least one tab or peripheral seam region of the first flexiblematerial layer.

In a representative embodiment, the carrying bag may further comprise: acarrying strap having a cut-resistance level to withstand an appliedcutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm laterally across thecarrying strap, the carrying strap comprising: a first flexible fabricor webbing; and a second flexible fabric or webbing coupled to the firstflexible fabric or webbing, the second flexible fabric or webbingcomprising a second polymeric fiber matrix.

In another representative embodiment, the carrying bag may comprise anexterior bag having at least one opening for access to an interior ofthe exterior bag and having a plurality of panels; a plurality ofsecurity panel assemblies arranged within the interior or coupled to theexterior bag, each security panel assembly of the plurality of securitypanel assemblies coupled to a panel of the plurality of panels andcomprising a polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least one polymericfiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiber intersections orcrossings, wherein a first panel coupled to a first security panelassembly of the plurality of security panel assemblies and a secondpanel coupled to a second security panel assembly of the plurality ofsecurity panel assemblies are coupled to each other through at least oneseam comprising one or more stitches through each of the respectivepolymeric fiber matrices.

In a representative embodiment, a carrying strap comprises: a firstflexible fabric or webbing; and a second flexible fabric or webbingcoupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing, the second flexiblefabric or webbing comprising a polymeric fiber matrix, the polymericfiber matrix comprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as aplurality of polymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiberintersection or crossing comprising at least two sections of the atleast one polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least onepolymeric fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament,cable, thread or yarn.

In a representative embodiment, the at least one polymeric fiber,filament, cable, thread or yarn is cut-resistant such that the carryingstrap has a cut-resistance level to withstand an applied cutting forceup to 500 grams applied over 20 mm laterally across the carrying strap.in another representative embodiment, the carrying strap has acut-resistance level to withstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000grams applied over 20 mm laterally across the carrying strap.

In a representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric or webbingmay further comprise: a first flexible material layer having a firstside and a plurality of edges, the polymeric fiber matrix arranged onthe first side of the first flexible material layer; and a secondflexible material layer arranged adjacent to the polymeric fiber matrixand coupled to the first side of the first flexible material layer witha plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a pluralityof stitches and an adhesive, to form a security panel assembly.

In a representative embodiment, the at least one polymeric fiber is amultifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn. In various embodiments, themultifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn comprises at least onepolymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn and either or both atleast one carbon fiber or at least one metallic wire, fiber, filament,cable, thread or yarn. In a representative embodiment, the at least onepolymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn comprises at least onematerial selected from the group consisting of: aramid; liquid crystalpolymer; polyethylene; ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(“UHMWPE”) having a molecular mass between 3.5 and 7.5 million Daltons;high-modulus polyethylene (“HMPE”); High Performance Polyethylene(“HPPE”); glass; nylon; polyester; and combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix is comprised of aplurality of knitted or woven fibers, filaments, cables, threads, oryarns to form the second flexible fabric or webbing. In variousembodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix comprises a mesh or nettinghaving a plurality of bonded or coupled polymeric fiber intersections orcrossings. In various embodiments, the polymeric fiber matrix comprisesa plurality of polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarnsarranged in a crossing or quilting pattern on a first side of a firstflexible material layer and extending on a second side of the firstflexible material layer or an intervening flexible material layer. Invarious embodiments, the at least one polymeric fiber is a monofilamentfiber, cable, or thread.

In a representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric or webbing iscoupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing with a plurality ofstitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches andan adhesive.

In a representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric or webbing istubular and further comprises a lumen, and wherein the second flexiblefabric or webbing is arranged within the lumen.

in another representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric orwebbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first and secondlateral folds.

In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may further comprise:a third flexible fabric or webbing coupled over the first and secondlateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing to enclose thesecond flexible fabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric orwebbing and the third flexible fabric or webbing. In such arepresentative embodiment, the first flexible fabric or webbing furthermay have first and second central folds over the second flexible fabricor webbing.

in a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may further comprise:a third flexible fabric or webbing arranged in between the secondflexible fabric or webbing and the first and second central folds of thefirst flexible fabric or webbing to enclose the second flexible fabricor webbing between the first flexible fabric or webbing and the thirdflexible fabric or webbing.

In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may further comprise:a plurality of cut-resistant monofilament polymer fibers arranged withinthe first and second lateral folds.

In various embodiments, the first flexible fabric or webbing has a firstlateral fold on a first lateral side, wherein the second flexible fabricor webbing is arranged within the first lateral fold; and wherein thecarrying strap further comprises: a third flexible binding coupled overthe first flexible fabric or webbing on a second lateral side to enclosethe second flexible fabric or webbing between the first flexible fabricor webbing and the third flexible binding.

In another representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric orwebbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side to form twolayers of the first flexible fabric or webbing, wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first lateral fold andwherein a plurality of stitches couple the two layers of the foldedfirst flexible fabric or webbing on the second lateral side. In such arepresentative embodiment, each of the two layers of the folded firstflexible fabric or webbing may have a lateral fold on the second lateralside, wherein a plurality of stitches couple the lateral folds of thetwo layers of the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on the secondlateral side.

In another representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric orwebbing has a form factor of a plurality of flexible bindings, a firstflexible binding of the plurality of flexible bindings coupled over thefirst flexible fabric or webbing on a first lateral side and a secondflexible binding of the plurality of flexible bindings coupled over thefirst flexible fabric or webbing on a second lateral side.

In another representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric orwebbing has a first side and a second side and first and second lateraledges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is arranged on the firstside of the second flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carryingstrap may further comprise: a third flexible fabric or webbing arrangedon the second side of the second flexible fabric or webbing and coupledto the first flexible fabric or webbing laterally to the first andsecond lateral edges of the second flexible fabric or webbing.

In another representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric orwebbing has a first side and a second side and first and second lateraledges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is arranged on the firstside of the second flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carryingstrap may further comprise: a third flexible fabric or webbing arrangedon the second side of the second flexible fabric or webbing; a firstflexible binding of a plurality of flexible bindings coupled over thefirst and third flexible fabrics or webbings on a first lateral side;and a second flexible binding of the plurality of flexible bindingscoupled over the first and third flexible fabrics or webbings on asecond lateral side.

in another representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric orwebbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side; and whereinthe carrying strap may further comprise: a third flexible fabric orwebbing offset laterally from the first flexible fabric or webbing, thethird flexible fabric or webbing having a second lateral fold on asecond lateral side; wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing isarranged within the first lateral fold and the second lateral fold. Insuch a representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric or webbingmay have a first lateral region and a second lateral region, the thirdflexible fabric or webbing may have a first lateral region and a secondlateral region, wherein the first lateral regions of the first and thirdflexible fabrics or webbings are coupled to a first side of the secondflexible fabric or webbing and the second lateral regions of the firstand third flexible fabrics or webbings are coupled to a second side ofthe second flexible fabric or webbing to enclose the second flexiblefabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric or webbing and thethird flexible fabric or webbing.

In another representative embodiment, the second flexible fabric orwebbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein the firstflexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first and secondlateral folds. In such a representative embodiment, the second flexiblefabric or webbing further may have first and second central folds overthe first flexible fabric or webbing.

In another representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric orwebbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the second flexiblefabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds and is arrangedwithin the first and second lateral folds of the first flexible fabricor webbing; and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: aplurality of cut-resistant monofilament polymer fibers arranged withinthe first and second lateral folds of the second flexible fabric orwebbing. In such a representative embodiment, the first flexible fabricor webbing further may have first and second central folds over thesecond flexible fabric or webbing.

In another representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric orwebbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the second flexiblefabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds and is arrangedwithin the first and second lateral folds of the first flexible fabricor webbing; and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: a thirdflexible fabric or webbing coupled to the folded first flexible fabricor webbing on a first side; and at least one cut-resistant monofilamentpolymer fiber arranged centrally between the first side of the foldedfirst flexible fabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric orwebbing.

In various embodiments, the first flexible fabric or webbing has first,second and third lateral folds to form a first bottom layer, a secondtop layer, a third intermediate layer and a fourth intermediate layer,wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within thefirst and second lateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing;and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: at least onecut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally between thethird and fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric orwebbing.

In another representative embodiment, the first flexible fabric orwebbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form a first bottomlayer, a second top layer, a third intermediate layer and a fourthintermediate layer, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing isarranged within the third lateral fold of the first flexible fabric orwebbing; and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: at leastone cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally betweenthe third and fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric orwebbing.

In various embodiments, the first flexible fabric or webbing has first,second and third lateral folds to form a first bottom layer, a secondtop layer, a third intermediate layer and a fourth intermediate layer,wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within thefirst, second and third lateral folds of the first flexible fabric orwebbing; and wherein the carrying strap may further comprise: at leastone cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally betweenthe third and fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric orwebbing.

In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may comprise: a firstflexible fabric or webbing; and a cut-resistant polymeric fiber matrixextending longitudinally along or within the first flexible fabric orwebbing, the polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least one polymericfiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiber intersections, eachfiber intersection comprising at least two sections of the at least onepolymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least one polymeric fibercomprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread oryarn; wherein the first flexible fabric or webbing and cut-resistantpolymeric fiber matrix collectively have a cut-resistance level towithstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mmlaterally across the carrying strap.

In such a representative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix may bewoven or braided into the first flexible fabric or webbing. In anotherrepresentative embodiment, the polymeric fiber matrix comprises aplurality of warp cut-resistant polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns.

In a representative embodiment, the carrying strap may comprise: a firstflexible fabric or webbing; and a security panel assembly coupled to thefirst flexible fabric or webbing, the security panel assemblycomprising: a first flexible material layer having a first side and aplurality of edges; and a polymeric fiber matrix arranged on the firstside of the first flexible material layer, the polymeric fiber matrixcomprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality ofpolymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiber intersection orcrossing comprising at least two sections of the at least one polymericfiber abutting each other, the at least one polymeric fiber comprisingat least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn; a secondflexible material layer arranged adjacent to the polymeric fiber matrixand coupled to the first side of the first flexible material layer witha plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a pluralityof stitches and an adhesive.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention willbecome readily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will bemore readily appreciated upon reference to the following disclosure whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals are used to identify identical components in thevarious views, and wherein reference numerals with alphabetic charactersand/or numeric subscripts are utilized to identify parts or subparts ofa component or additional types, instantiations or variations of aselected component embodiment in the various views, as further indicatedby textual context, in which:

Figure (or “FIG.”) 1 is an isometric view of a typical purse or shoulderbag incorporating various features of a representative carrying bagembodiment.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 2 is an isometric, partial cut-away view of thetypical purse or shoulder bag of FIG. 1 showing the placement of asecurity panel assembly within or as part of the exterior bag.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 3 is an isometric view illustrating an expandablegusset formed using a plurality of representative nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based embodiments of security panelassemblies.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 4 is an isometric view illustrating a monofilamentnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber used in various embodiments ofa security panel assembly and/or a carrying strap.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 5 is an isometric view illustrating a first, woventype of multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber used invarious embodiments of a security panel assembly and/or a carryingstrap.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 6 is an isometric view illustrating a second, braidedtype of multifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber used invarious embodiments of a security panel assembly and/or a carryingstrap.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 7 is an isometric view illustrating a placement of afirst flexible material (or material layer) on a first mounting board.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 8 is an isometric view illustrating a placement of afirst flexible material (or material layer) on a second mounting board.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 9 is an isometric view illustrating a representativerouting of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber on a firstflexible material (or material layer) for a first or second embodimentof a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 10 is an isometric view illustrating a representativecompleted routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber on afirst flexible material (or material layer) for a first or secondembodiment of a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 11 is a plan view illustrating another representativecompleted routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber on afirst flexible material (or material layer) for a first or secondembodiment of a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 12 is an isometric view illustrating placement of anoptional second flexible material (or material layer) over anonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber routed on a first flexiblematerial (or material layer) for a second embodiment of a security panelassembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 13 is an isometric view illustrating a secondembodiment of a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 14 is cross-sectional view (through the A-A′ plane)of the second embodiment of a security panel assembly of FIG. 13.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 15 is a plan view illustrating a third embodiment ofa security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 16 is cross-sectional view (through the B-B′ plane ofthe bag illustrated in FIG. 1) of a seam coupling two second embodimentsof a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 17 is plan view of a seam coupling two secondembodiments of a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 18 is an isometric view illustrating placement of anonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber mesh or netting on a firstflexible material (or material layer) for a fourth embodiment of asecurity panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 19 is an isometric view illustrating the fourthembodiment of a security panel assembly having a nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber mesh or netting on a first flexible material(or material layer).

Figure (or “FIG.”) 20 is an isometric view illustrating a fifth, quiltedembodiment of a security panel assembly.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 21 is a cross-sectional view (through the C-C′ plane)of the fifth, quilted embodiment of a security panel assemblyillustrated in FIG. 20.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 22 is an isometric view illustrating a sixthembodiment of a security panel assembly formed from knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 23 is a plan view illustrating seam locations for asixth embodiment of a security panel assembly formed from knit, woven,or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 24 is a plan view illustrating a sixth embodiment ofa security panel assembly formed having tabs used in forming seams.

Figures (or “FIGS.”) 25-30 are plan views illustrating a seventhembodiment of a security panel assembly formed from a first flexiblematerial (or material layer) having knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers which is coupled to one or more secondflexible materials (or material layers).

Figures (or “FIGS.”) 31-33 are plan views illustrating an eighthembodiment of a security panel assembly formed from a plurality of firstflexible materials (or material layers) having knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers which are coupled to a secondflexible material (or material layer).

Figures (or “FIGS.”) 34 and 35 are plan views illustrating a ninthembodiment of a security panel assembly formed from selectively coatinga first flexible material (or material layer) with a nonmetallic,cut-resistant polymer or resin.

Figures (or “FIGS.”) 36 and 37 are isometric views illustrating asecurity panel assembly having knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers arranged to span multiple panels orsections of a carrying bag.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 38 is an isometric view illustrating a firstembodiment of a carrying strap formed from knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 39 is a cross-sectional view (through the D-D′ plane)of the first embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 38.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 40 is an isometric view illustrating a secondembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 41 is a cross-sectional view (through the E-E′ plane)of the second embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 40.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 42 is an isometric view illustrating a thirdembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 43 is a cross-sectional view (through the F-F′ plane)of the third embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 42.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 44 is an isometric view illustrating a fourthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 45 is a cross-sectional view (through the G-G′ plane)of the fourth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 44.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 46 is an isometric view illustrating a fifthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 47 is a cross-sectional view (through the H-H′ plane)of the fifth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 46.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 48 is an isometric view illustrating a sixthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 49 is a cross-sectional view (through the J-J′ plane)of the sixth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 48.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 50 is an isometric view illustrating a seventhembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 51 is a cross-sectional view (through the K-K′ plane)of the seventh embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 50.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 52 is an isometric view illustrating an eighthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 53 is a cross-sectional view (through the L-L′ plane)of the eighth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 52.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 54 is an isometric view illustrating a ninthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 55 is a cross-sectional view (through the M-M′ plane)of the ninth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 54.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 56 is an isometric view illustrating a tenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 57 is a cross-sectional view (through the N-N′ plane)of the tenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 56.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 58 is an isometric view illustrating an eleventhembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 59 is a cross-sectional view (through the P-P′ plane)of the eleventh embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 58.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 60 is an isometric view illustrating a twelfthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 61 is a cross-sectional view (through the Q-Q′ plane)of the twelfth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 60.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 62 is an isometric view illustrating a thirteenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 63 is a cross-sectional view (through the R-R′ plane)of the thirteenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 62.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 64 is an isometric view illustrating a fourteenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistantyarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 65 is a cross-sectional view (through the S-S′ plane)of the fourteenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 64.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 66 is an isometric view illustrating a fifteenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistantyarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 67 is a cross-sectional view (through the T-T′ plane)of the fifteenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 66.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 68 is an isometric view illustrating a sixteenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistantyarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 69 is a cross-sectional view (through the U-U′ plane)of the sixteenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 68.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 70 is an isometric view illustrating a seventeenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistantyarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 71 is a cross-sectional view (through the V-V′ plane)of the seventeenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG.70.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 72 is an isometric view illustrating an eighteenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistantyarns or fibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 73 is a cross-sectional view (through the W-W′ plane)of the eighteenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 72.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 74 is an isometric view illustrating a nineteenthembodiment of a carrying strap formed from routed, knit, woven, or spunnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers.

Figure (or “FIG.”) 75 is a cross-sectional view (through the X-X′ plane)of the nineteenth embodiment of a carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 74.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be describedherein in detail specific exemplary embodiments thereof, with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. In thisrespect, before explaining at least one embodiment consistent with thepresent invention in detail, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited in its application to the details of construction and tothe arrangements of components set forth above and below, illustrated inthe drawings, or as described in the examples. Methods and apparatusesconsistent with the present invention are capable of other embodimentsand of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, aswell as the abstract included below, are for the purposes of descriptionand should not be regarded as limiting.

Reference is made to the following patent applications and issuedpatents, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference with the same full force and effect as if set forth in theirentirety herein (individually and collectively referred to as the“related applications”): U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/879,194;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/879,149; U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,424;9,486,047; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/484,472; U.S. Pat. No.8,925,181; 9,854,890; 9,854,883; U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/641,173; U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,153; and 9,681,716.

Various embodiments of security panel assemblies 100A-100J areillustrated in the various Figures and discussed below and, as a result,any reference herein to a security panel assembly 100 shall beunderstood to mean and include any and all of the various security panelassembly and subassembly embodiments disclosed herein, including withoutlimitation security panel assemblies 100A-100J. Various embodiments ofcarrying straps 20A-20T are illustrated in the various Figures anddiscussed below and, as a result, any reference herein to a carryingstrap 20 shall be understood to mean and include any and all of thevarious carrying strap embodiments disclosed herein, including withoutlimitation carrying straps 20A-20T illustrated and discussed below withreference to FIGS. 38-75.

While various first, second, third, etc. material layers, fabrics,webbings, etc., are illustrated and discussed herein, it should also benoted that the usage of first, second, third, etc. in the claims maydiffer and may not track the usage in describing the Figures, e.g.,depending upon and due to the ordering of the claim elements. Forexample, the claims may refer to a first fabric or webbing because it islisted as a first claim element, while the detailed description mayrefer to it as a second fabric or webbing, and vice-versa, particularlyas the various embodiments may refer to the same feature or elementwhich is utilized in different structures of the different embodiments.For example, the detailed description may refer to a first webbingmaterial 210 which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 and toa second fabric or webbing material 284 which does include a polymericfiber matrix 125, while due to the ordering of claim elements, theclaims may refer to a first fabric or webbing material which doesinclude a polymeric fiber matrix and a second fabric or webbing materialwhich does not include a polymeric fiber matrix.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a typical purse or shoulder bag 50incorporating various features of a representative carrying bag 50embodiment. FIG. 2 is an isometric cut-away view of the typical purse orshoulder bag 50 of FIG. 1 showing the placement of a security panelassembly 100 within the exterior of the bag 50 or formed as part of theexterior material 40. FIG. 3 is an isometric view illustrating anexpandable gusset 70 formed using a plurality of representativenonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based embodiments of securitypanel assemblies 100. Such one or more security panel assemblies 100 aretypically arranged along or as part of the various panels forming therepresentative carrying bag 50 embodiment, such as along or as part of afront panel 35, a side panel 45, a bottom panel 55, for example andwithout limitation. In a representative embodiment, the one or moresecurity panel assemblies 100 are typically sewn, adhered, or otherwisecoupled or attached into one or more seams 60 which couple the variouspanels together to form the representative carrying bag 50 embodiment.In other representative embodiment, the one or more security panelassemblies 100 are typically sewn, adhered, or otherwise coupled orattached into or form part of the various panels which are then coupledto form the representative carrying bag 50 embodiment.

As discussed in the related applications, in addition to incorporatingone or more security panel assemblies 100 and a cut-resistant strap 20,the representative carrying bag 50 embodiment generally or optionallyincludes other security features, such as locking zipper pulls 25 (for azippered opening 22 to provide access to the interior 24 of the bag 50)and locking snap hooks 30 coupling the strap 20 to the carrying bag 50.Such a representative carrying bag 50 embodiment may have any selectedor desired form or style, including as shown athttps://www.travelonbags.com/anti-theft, such as a purse, a backpack, abriefcase, a laptop or tablet case, a weekender bag, a crossbody bag,etc., also for example and without limitation.

The various Figures illustrate nonmetallic, fiber-based security panelassemblies 100 and nonmetallic, fiber-based carrying straps 20. Insteadof utilizing a metallic wire or cable to form a wire matrix, for theserepresentative security panel assemblies 100 and carrying straps 20, anon-metallic, substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fiber, thread oryarn (individually and collectively referred to as a “fiber”) 110 isutilized, such as a Kevlar® aramid fiber, thread or yarn available fromDuPont of Wilmington, Del. US, or a Vectran® liquid crystal polymermultifilament fiber, thread or yarn available from Kuraray America Inc.of Houston, Tex. US, or any of the various other non-metallic,substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarnsdescribed below or as otherwise known in the art, including ultra highmolecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”), high-modulus polyethylene(“HMPE”), High Performance Polyethylene (“HPPE”), for example andwithout limitation. In addition, a security panel assembly 100 also mayinclude a substantially cut-resistant fabric comprising a plurality ofinterwoven, spun, blown, or otherwise embedded or linked, substantiallycut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110. The varioussecurity panel assemblies may also include spaced-apart fibers 110forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125 (illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, forexample), and may be interwoven with other types of threads, yarns orfibers, as discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view illustrating a monofilament nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber 114 used in various embodiments of asecurity panel assembly 100 and/or a carrying strap 20. Such amonofilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 114 is formed as acomparatively thick or larger diameter cut-resistant polymer-basedfibers, threads or yarns 110, for example and without limitation.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view illustrating a first, woven type ofmultifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 112 used invarious embodiments of a security panel assembly 100 and/or a carryingstrap 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a representative multifilamentnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 112 is comprised of a pluralityof cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110 which arewoven together, optionally around a core or cording 118. Such a core orcording 118 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as any typeof polymer, and may or may not itself be comprised of one or morecut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110, for exampleand without limitation.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating a second, braided type ofmultifilament nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 116 used invarious embodiments of a security panel assembly 100 and/or a carryingstrap 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a representative multifilamentnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 116 is comprised of a pluralityof cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110 which arebraided together. Any type of weaving, braiding, spinning, blowing, etc.method may be utilized to form any of the various multifilamentnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 112, 116, and any and all suchvariations are within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be noted that any reference to cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 shouldbe understood to mean and include any one or more of the cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116, rather than all of the various nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns orfibers 110, 112, 114, and 116. The various Figures also illustrate theuse of various fabrics, webbings, or other flexible materials, which mayor may not include cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As used herein, “fabric” and/or“webbing” should be understood to mean and include any type of woven ornonwoven flexible material, such as a flexible material formed fromweaving, braiding, spinning, blowing, etc. of any type of natural orsynthetic thread, yarn, or fiber, including any type of natural orsynthetic leather, suede, or sponge, for example and without limitation,and any and all such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.

In addition, this polymeric fiber matrix 125 may also be included orembedded in the webbing utilized to form a substantially cut-resistantcarry strap. For such embodiments, the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 is or aretypically woven with the other fiber material comprising the webbingduring manufacture. Also for such embodiments, an additionalcut-resistant metallic cable may not be required to provide the desiredlevel of security.

Combinations of different types of material may also be utilized to formthe various fibers 110. For example and without limitation, acut-resistant fiber 110 may be combined with metallic or carbon fibersor threads, or elastic or rubber fibers or threads, in any of variouscombinations, such as a combination of steel and polymer.

Any type of weaving, braiding or knitting may be utilized, and asillustrated in the various Figures, to form a security panel assembly, acarrying strap, or a fiber 110. For example, a security panel assemblymay include a substantially cut-resistant, knitted fabric comprising aplurality of abutting, knitted and substantially cut-resistantpolymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110.

The various fibers 110 for the representative security panel assembliesand carrying straps may be spaced-apart or abutting, and may beinterwoven with other types of threads, yarns or fibers (includingmetallic fibers, wires, yarns or threads), creating a substantiallycut-resistant fabric or mesh having any type of finish or weave tocreate any desired flexibility, stretchability, texture, or otherproperty of a fabric, for example and without limitation.

In addition to the various substantially cut-resistant polymer-basedfibers, threads or yarns discussed above, the substantiallycut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110 formingrepresentative security panel assemblies and carrying straps, may becomprised of a wide variety of materials and compounds, including forexample and without limitation: polyethylene fibers, threads or yarns,such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”, e.g., athermoplastic polyethylene having a molecular mass between about 3.5 and7.5 million atomic mass units (Daltons), high-modulus polyethylene(“HMPE”), High Performance Polyethylene (“HPPE”); glass fibers, threadsor yarns; nylon fibers, threads or yarns; Cuben Fiber (a laminatedfabric constructed from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene(UHMWPE) fiber monofilaments and polyester, PVF etc. films) (“CTF3”).The resulting security panel assemblies 100 and carrying straps 20, andcut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110, may have anydesired level of cut-resistance or other properties to meet anyapplicable standard, such as the American National Standards Institute(“ANSI”) cut level A1-A9 standards or the EN388 standard, for variousproperties such as blade cut-resistance, abrasion resistance, tearresistance, and puncture resistance.

For example and without limitation, in a representative embodiment, therepresentative security panel assemblies and carrying straps, may havethe following specification: ISO 13997:1999 Blade Cut Resistance Level5==31.5 Newton; ANSI/ISEA 2016 Blade Cut Resistance Level A5/A6=3007grams/force (2200 grams minimum); EN 388:2003 Tear Strength Level4=518.2 Newton; EN 388:2003 Abrasion Resistance Level 4=more than 8,000cycles, and EN 388:2003 Puncture Resistance Level 4=271.6 Newton.Various substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads oryarns are available commercially, including Dyneema® (and Cubic Tech)from Royal DSM N.V., The Netherlands and Stanley, N.C., U.S.; Cut-Tex®PRO from PPSS Group, United Kingdom; and Spectra® by Honeywell, ColonialHeights, Va., U.S. The security panel assembly also may have anyselected coating, such as a rubber or polymer coating, for example andwithout limitation. In the various illustrated embodiments, suchnonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns or fibers 110 may appear as yellow incolor, and in some embodiments, is also referred to as “fishing” linesor cut-resistant material (“CRM”) filaments.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, “cut-resistant” for asecurity panel assembly 100 or fabric 200 means and includes acapability to meet or exceed (equal or be greater than) the AmericanNational Standards :Institute (“ANSI”) ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A2within a predetermined distance interval of at least 5 cm, i.e., toprovide resistance to cutting by a moving blade having an applied forceup to 500 grams as the blade is moved or attempted to be moved over oracross a distance of 5 cm or more within 10 seconds. For example, asecurity panel assembly 100 may be initially punctured by a blade inareas of the security panel assembly 100 in which there is nocut-resistant polymer-based fiber, thread or yarn 110, but as the bladeis moved, within 5 cm of the point of puncture, the blade will encountera resistance to cutting which meets or exceeds ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cutlevel A2. Continuing with the example, in a representative embodiment,the movement of such a cuffing blade applied force up to 500 gramsgenerally will be stopped within such a 5 cm interval. A material whichis not considered particularly “cut-resistant”, such as a cotton fabricof a T-shirt for example, is capable of being cut by a moving bladehaving an applied force less than 500 grams as the blade is moved orattempted to be moved over or across a distance of 5 cm or more.

For a carrying strap 20 to provide an anti-theft feature, it need onlyprovide resistance to cutting laterally across the strap 20, such thatthe strap 20 is not cut into two or more separate pieces, which wouldenable it to be detached from the wearer's shoulder or from a chair, forexample. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, “cut-resistant” fora carrying strap 20 means and includes a capability to meet or exceed(equal or be greater than) the American National Standards Institute(“ANSI”) ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A2 within a predetermineddistance interval of at least 5 cm laterally across the carrying strap20, i.e., to provide resistance to cutting by a moving blade having anapplied force up to 500 grams as the blade is moved or attempted to bemoved laterally (Le., perpendicular to its length or longitudinaldimension) across the carrying strap 20 over or across a distance of 5cm or more within 10 seconds.

For example and without limitation, representative embodiments of thesecurity panel assembly 100 and carrying straps 20 meet or exceedANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A4 or A5, for example and withoutlimitation, withstanding an applied force up to 1,500 grams or 2,200grams respectively as the blade is moved or attempted to be moved overor across a distance of 20 mm. For example and without limitation,representative embodiments of the security panel assembly 100 andcarrying straps 20 meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA 105 (2016) cut level A6, forexample and without limitation, withstanding an applied force up to3,000 grams as the blade is moved or attempted to be moved over oracross a distance of 20 mm.

The various cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110utilized to form the representative security panel assemblies andcarrying straps and/or to form any of the protected seams, may comprisea single strand or multiple strands, with any selected thread count,which in turn may be twisted or braided, for example and withoutlimitation, such as “super braid”, “extreme braid”, polyethylene-basedfilament lines such as braided lines of Dyneema® and Spectra®, fishinglines, and which also may be coated, such as to have a slippery coatingor film, such as a silicone, plastic, other polymer, or wax coating,also for example and without limitation.

The security panel assembly 100 may be configured to have any desiredshape or size, such as rectangular, square, circular, trapezoidal,cuboid, rhomboidal, a parallelepiped, ovoid or ellipsoid, or any and allother shapes and sizes, for example and without limitation.

The substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns110 may be comprised of any nonmetallic wire, cable, fiber, thread oryarn, twisted or untwisted, braided or unbraided, coated or uncoated,and any and all combinations of metallic and nonmetallic wires, cables,fibers, threads or yarns. For example and without limitation,substantially cut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110may be combined with or further comprised of one or more metallic (e.g.,steel, titanium) or polymeric fibers, wires, threads or yarns, orvarious combinations of different materials, including any and all ofthe various polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110 discussed above, andas may be combined in any of various ways, such as with metallic orcarbon fibers or threads, metal alloys, or elastic or rubber fibers orthreads, in any of various combinations, such as a combinations of steeland polymer. In a representative embodiment, the substantiallycut-resistant polymer-based fibers, threads or yarns 110 are selectedfor a combination of flexibility and cut-resistance, not just tensilestrength, and may have any of various compositions which may includemultiple metallic or nonmetallic wires, cables, fibers, threads oryarns, including steel wires, cables, fibers, threads or yarns, such asconfigured as twisted or untwisted 1×3, 1×7, 1×19, 3×7, 7×7, 7×19, 7×37,etc., wires, cables, fibers, threads or yarns, for example and withoutlimitation.

For example and without limitation, forming a polymeric fiber, thread oryarn 110 are a plurality of high modulus polyethylene fibers such asUHMWPE or HPPE, with a center core, and a plurality of strands (orroots) of it braided together around the core, such as eight fibersaround the core, typically formed using a cable knitting machine oranother twisting mechanism for the braid. The amount of UHMWPE or HPPEin any of the polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110 may be varied asmay be necessary or desirable to meet any selected specification, and arepresentative embodiment utilizes 100% UHMWPE, for example and withoutlimitation. Specialized cutters, as known in the art, are utilized tocut the polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110 or polymeric fiber matrix125 to the desired length or size.

Additional wire cables or fibers may also be included in any of thevarious straps, and polymeric fibers, threads or yarns 110 may besubstituted for any specification of one or more wire cables in any ofthe various straps, and vice-versa.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that additional variationsof the structure of representative security panel assemblies andcarrying straps are available, and all such variations are consideredequivalent and within the scope of the disclosure, as disclosed in thepatent applications described above and incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view illustrating a placement of a first flexiblematerial (or material layer) 406 on a first mounting board 404. FIG. 8is an isometric view illustrating a placement of a first flexiblematerial (or material layer) 406 on a second mounting board 404A. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, the first flexible material layer 406 has beenplaced on a mounting board or base 404 having a plurality of pegs (nailsor needles) 410. The first flexible material 406 has been placed withinthe area or region 414 defined by or enclosed by the pegs 410, such thatnone of the pegs 410 are inserted through the first material layer 406,but peripherally surround the first material layer 406. As illustratedin FIG. 8, the first flexible material layer 406 has been placed on amounting board or base 404A also having a plurality of pegs (nails orneedles) 410 but also having a plurality of pegs (nails or needles) 412which insert through the first material layer 406. In addition, themounting board or base 404A has additional pegs 410 which surround theperiphery of, but do not pierce, the first material layer 406.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view illustrating a representative routing of anonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 on afirst flexible material (or material layer) 406 for a first embodimentof a security panel assembly 100A. FIG. 10 is an isometric viewillustrating a representative completed routing of a nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 on a first flexiblematerial (or material layer) 406 to form a polymeric fiber matrix 125for a first embodiment of a security panel assembly 100A. FIG. 11 is aplan view illustrating another representative completed routing of anonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 on afirst flexible material (or material layer) 406 to form a polymericfiber matrix 125 for a first embodiment of a security panel assembly100A.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the routing of a nonmetallic, cut-resistantyarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 on the first material layer 406forms a polymeric fiber matrix 125 for a first embodiment of a securitypanel assembly 100A, in which the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn orfiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 has a plurality of intersections (orcrossings) 138. The nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112,114, or 116 is routed over the first material layer 406 (which also mayhave or be coated with an adhesive or cement 132) around the variouspegs 410 in a predetermined pattern to form a polymeric fiber matrix125. It should be noted that the polymeric fiber matrix 125 spans alarger area than the first material layer 406, resulting in portions orloops 120 of the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114,or 116 extending beyond one or more edges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 ofthe first material layer 406. As discussed below, the security panelassembly 100 formed this way does not require any additional trimming ofthe margins (salvage portions or tabs) of the first material layer 406.In addition, when incorporated into a bag 50, the nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 may extend within andacross any seams 60, providing added security or protection.

A wide variety of predetermined patterns may be implemented for therouting of the nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114,or 116, such as an oscillating pattern, in addition to the patternsillustrated. In a representative embodiment, the predetermined patternis selected or implemented to create a plurality of intersections (orcrossings) 138, in which there are a plurality of intersections (orcrossings) 138 formed along or spaced apart from each edge of theplurality of edges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128, together with a pluralityof intersections (or crossings) 138 within the interior of the polymericfiber matrix 125 (i.e., the region spaced apart inwardly or closer tothe center).

In addition, as the polymeric fiber matrix 125 is formed by anonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 havingends 134, 136 which are not generally or sufficiently sharp andtherefore would generally not pierce portions of the bag 50, the ends134, 136 do not require any particular positioning or coating within thesecurity panel assembly 100A, and may extend externally to the firstmaterial layer 406 (i.e., beyond the edges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 ofthe first material layer 406) as illustrated in FIG. 10 or which may bearranged on the first material layer 406 (i.e., within the edges 122,124, 126, and/or 128 of the first material layer 406) as illustrated inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view illustrating placement of an optionalsecond flexible material (or material layer) 408 over a nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 routed on a firstflexible material (or material layer) for a second embodiment of asecurity panel assembly 100B. FIG. 13 is an isometric view illustratinga second embodiment of a security panel assembly 100B. FIG. 14 iscross-sectional view (through the A-A′ plane) of the first embodiment ofa security panel assembly 100B of FIG. 13. As illustrated, an optionalsecond material layer 408 has been added over the polymer matrix 125,and has been stitched through and to the polymer matrix 125 and thefirst material layer 406 (stitch lines 415). In the security panelassembly 100A, 100B, the fiber matrix 125 extends to, at or over theedges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 of the first material layer 406 and/orsecond material layer 408, rather than being on spaced apart from theedges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 on the side closer to the center 412 ofthe first material layer 406. For example, the loops 120 of thenonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 mayextend over the edges 122, 124, 126, and/or 128 of the first materiallayer 406, as illustrated.

The security panel assembly 100B differs from the security panelassembly 100A only insofar as the security panel assembly 100B includesthe optional second material layer 408. As the security panel assembly100A does not include the optional second material layer 408, thepolymeric fiber matrix 125 also may be stitched or otherwise adhered tothe first material layer 406 (such as through stitch lines 415 oradhesive 132).

It should be noted that the first flexible material layer 406 and theoptional second material layer 408 may be formed by other components ofthe bag 50. For example, in a representative embodiment, the securitypanel assembly 100A is coupled directly to the exterior fabric ormaterial 40 of the bag 50, such that the exterior fabric or material 40comprises or forms a second material layer 408. The combination of thesecurity panel assembly 100A with the exterior fabric or material 40then results in a security panel assembly 100B in which the secondmaterial layer 408 comprises or is formed by the exterior fabric ormaterial 40, forming a security panel assembly 100B which is integratedwith or forms a panel of the bag 50. Also for example, in arepresentative embodiment, the security panel assembly 100A is coupleddirectly to the lining fabric or material 42 of the bag 50, such thatthe lining fabric or material 42 comprises or forms a second materiallayer 408. The combination of the security panel assembly 100A with thelining fabric or material 42 then results in a security panel assembly100B in which the second material layer 408 comprises or is formed bythe lining fabric or material 42. Also for example, in a representativeembodiment, the first material layer 406 may be comprised of the liningfabric or material 42 of the bag 50, and the second material layer 408may comprise the exterior fabric or material 40, also forming a securitypanel assembly 100B which is integrated with or forms a panel of the bag50.

FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating additional representativenonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based embodiments of thirdsecurity panel assembly 100C. As illustrated, a nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 has been routed over afirst material layer 406, and is held in place using a cross stitch orzig-zag lock stitch 422. The margins or salvage portions 424 of thefirst material layer 406 are then trimmed to form a security panelassembly 100C. No second material layer 408 is utilized for thisembodiment.

It should be noted that the polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 can be penetrated, such as with a sewing needle,without damaging the polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116, in contrast with metallic cables, which can be broken or damagedwhen pierced. Also, the ends 134, 136 of the cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 arenot sharp, also in contrast to metallic cables, and do not requireadditional protection from poking through a material layer or duringfabrication (e.g., to avoid cutting a person). Lighter weight materiallayers may also be used to form the security panel assemblies 100.

For the security panel assemblies 100, the ends of the cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 forming the polymer matrix 125 can be unfinished, can be securedinward toward the center of the respective security panel assembly 100,can be stitched or otherwise secured into one or more seams 60(discussed below), can be additionally stitched into the materiallayer(s), or can be left alone, such as extending out of the outerboundaries of the first material layer 406 and/or optional secondmaterial layer 408 of the security panel assembly 100. The edges of thesecurity panel assemblies 100 may be secured directly into a seam 60,and the polymer matrix 125 does not require an offset from the seams 60of prior art metallic wire security panel assemblies. Additionally, foamor other layers are not necessary to be inserted between the securitypanel assemblies 100 and the material forming the exterior 40 of thecarrying bag 50. Any adhesive within the security panel assemblies 100is also optional.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view (through the B-B′ plane of thebag 50 illustrated in FIG. 1) of a seam 60 coupling two embodiments of asecurity panel assembly using stitching 61. FIG. 17 is plan view of aseam 60 coupling two embodiments of a security panel assembly, and showsthe loops 120 extending out of the security panel assemblies. FIGS. 16and 17 illustrate seams 60 coupling a plurality of representativenonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber-based embodiments of securitypanel assemblies 100B. For ease of explanation, the additional materiallayer from the zipper 71 (of a gusset 70) is not separately illustratedin FIG. 16. If a security panel assembly 100A, 100C, 100D is utilizedinstead, the optional second material layer 408 would not be included inthe seam 60. A highly novel feature of the representative embodimentsusing security panel assemblies 100 is that each security panel assembly100 spans the seam 60 and is not offset from the seam 60. Stated anotherway, the seam 60 is formed by stitching through the polymeric fibermatrices 125 of the one or more security panel assemblies 100 which arebeing joined. This is a sharp contrast with the prior art, which wouldjoin a security panel assembly in a seam only through the margins orsalvage portions 424, and provides additional and significant anti-theftprotection of the entire carrying bag, including the seam regions.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view illustrating placement of a nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116 mesh or netting 150 ona first flexible material (or material layer) 406 for a fourthembodiment of a security panel assembly 100D. FIG. 19 is an isometricview illustrating the fourth embodiment of a security panel assembly100D having a nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or116 mesh or netting 150 on a first flexible material (or material layer)406. For the fourth embodiment of a security panel assembly 100D, one ormore representative cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 have been pre-fabricated intomesh or netting 150, and the mesh or netting 150 thereby forms apolymeric fiber matrix 125. For example, the mesh or netting 150 may beformed or otherwise pre-fabricated by arranging one or morecut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 in a predetermined pattern (such as an oscillatingpattern (as illustrated) or another such pattern), and the yarns orfibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 are then bonded or otherwise coupled toeach other at each intersection 152 of the cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, suchas through a heat treatment, welding, molding, adhesive, etc., all forexample and without limitation. Depending upon the selectedpredetermined pattern, each intersection 152 may be an intersection (orcrossings) 138 of yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 or more simplymay be adjacent yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116 which are touchingwithout crossing. Any and all such methods of forming the mesh ornetting 150 from a plurality of yarns or fibers 110, 112, 114, or 116are within the scope of the disclosure. The mesh or netting 150 may besecured to a first material layer 406 (and/or a second material layer408), such as through stitching 415 or an adhesive 132, to form asecurity panel assembly 100D, and may be utilized as a security panelassembly 100 or within a carrying straps 20, as illustrated in thevarious Figures.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view illustrating a fifth, quilted embodiment ofa security panel assembly 100E. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view(through the C-C′ plane) of the fifth, quilted embodiment of a securitypanel assembly 100E illustrated in FIG. 20. The security panel assembly100E comprises a first flexible material layer 406 and/or optionalsecond material layer 408 which has or have been stitched through, suchas in a quilting or crossing pattern 130, by representativecut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, with the patterned cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116thereby forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. In a representativeembodiment, an optional second material layer 408 may be included, asillustrated in FIG. 21. For example, in a representative embodiment, thepolymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns arranged in a crossing or quiltingpattern on the first side 407 of the first flexible material layer 406and on either a second side 409 of the first flexible material layer 406or an intervening flexible material layer 411 such as the secondmaterial layer 408 as illustrated. Also for example, in a representativeembodiment, the first flexible material layer 406 is formed from theexterior fabric or material 40 of the bag 50, and the quilting orcrossing pattern 130 formed by the stitching of the representativecut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forms a decorative pattern. Also for example, in arepresentative embodiment, the second material layer 408, if included,is optionally formed from the lining 42 of the bag 50.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view illustrating a sixth embodiment of asecurity panel assembly 100F. A security panel assembly 100F is formedas a cut-resistant fabric 200 comprising a plurality of interwoven,knit, spun, blown, or otherwise routed, embedded or linked,cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, generallyhaving a greater density of cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 than the security panelassemblies 100A-100E. For the security panel assembly 100F asillustrated, the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 form a polymeric fiber matrix125, and may be interwoven, knit, spun, or blown with other types ofthreads, yarns or fibers, including metallic, carbon, and threads whichare not cut-resistant. FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating peripherallocations or areas 155 of the security panel assembly 100F which areutilized within a seam 60, with the seam location for the security panelassembly 100F indicated using dashed lines 166, for example and withoutlimitation. FIG. 24 is a plan view illustrating a sixth embodiment of asecurity panel assembly 100F formed having one or more tabs 160 in anyof various locations around the periphery of the fabric 200 used informing seams 60, such that a tab 160 is included in the seam 60 tosecure the assembly 100F in a bag 50 or bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset70, and again with the seam location for the security panel assembly100F indicated using dashed lines 166.

FIGS. 25-30 are plan views illustrating a seventh embodiment of asecurity panel assembly 100G formed from a first flexible material (ormaterial layer) 406 having knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, such as a cut-resistant fabric200, which is coupled to one or more second flexible materials (ormaterial layers) 408, which is generally not cut-resistant and otherwiseis not required to include any polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116. The one or more second flexible materials (ormaterial layers) 408 may be secured to a first flexible material (ormaterial layer) 406 having knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, such as through stitching 415 oran adhesive 132 (not separately illustrated), to form a security panelassembly 100G. In a representative embodiment, the one or more secondflexible materials (or material layers) 408 may be separate one or moresecond flexible materials (or material layers) 408 or may be embodied asthe exterior fabric or material 40 or lining 42.

One of the difficulties associated with using a cut-resistant fabric 200directly within a seam 60 is that such cut-resistant fabrics 200 maytend to be thick or bulky, and may distort the seam 60 or render theseam 60 less precise, which may affect the style or desirability of thebag 50. The second flexible materials (or material layers) 408 of thesecurity panel assembly 100G, or parts thereof, are typically less thickand/or more pliable than a cut-resistant fabric 200. Accordingly, in arepresentative security panel assembly 100G, such a cut-resistant fabric200, as a first flexible material (or material layer) 406 having anembedded polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, iscoupled to one or more second flexible materials (or material layers)408 which are not cut-resistant. In representative embodiments, asdiscussed in greater detail below, portions of the one or more secondflexible materials (or material layers) 408 (one or more seam regions170) are inserted (with other materials, such as the exterior fabric 40and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 tosecure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70.

For the security panel assembly 100G, the one or more second flexiblematerials (or material layers) 408 extend beyond one or more edges 168of the first flexible material (or material layer) 406, forming one ormore seam regions 170. The one or more seam regions 170 are inserted (atany selected or desired location within the one or more seam regions170, along with other materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/orlining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure theassembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is coupled, suchas through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) toa plurality of strips of second flexible materials (or material layers)408A and 408B, which are illustrated as extending laterally across thecut-resistant fabric 200 and beyond the edges of the cut-resistantfabric 200 to form one or more seam regions 170 having the form or shapeof tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, and 160D. The tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, and 160D(as one or more seam regions 170) are then inserted (at any selected ordesired location within the one or more seam regions 170, along withother materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) intoand stitched within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50,bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along two opposite sides oredges. For example and without limitation, tabs 160A and 160B areinserted and stitched (or adhered) into a first seam 60 and tabs 160Cand 160D are inserted into a second seam 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is coupled, suchas through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) toa plurality of strips of second flexible materials (or material layers)408A, 408B and 408C, which are illustrated as respectively extendinglaterally or longitudinally across the cut-resistant fabric 200 andbeyond the edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 to form one or moreseam regions 170 having the form or shape of tabs 160A, 160B, 160C,160D, 160E, and 160F. The tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D, 160E, and 160Fare then inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one ormore seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the exteriorfabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 orgusset 70, such as along four sides or edges. For example and withoutlimitation, tabs 160A is inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a firstseam 60, tabs 160B and 160D are inserted and stitched (or adhered) intoa second seam 60, tabs 160D is inserted and stitched (or adhered) into athird seam 60, and tabs 160E and 160F are inserted and stitched (oradhered) into a fourth seam 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is coupled, suchas through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) toa second flexible material (or material layer) 408, which is illustratedas extending laterally and longitudinally across the cut-resistantfabric 200 and beyond the edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 to formone or more seam regions 170 having the form or shape of a periphery orsalvage portion 162. Respective portions of the periphery or salvageportion 162, as one or more seam regions 170, are then inserted (at anyselected or desired location within the one or more seam regions 170,along with other materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure theassembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such asalong any of four sides or edges, as previously described.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is coupled, suchas through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) toa second flexible material (or material layer) 408, which is illustratedas extending laterally and longitudinally across the cut-resistantfabric 200 and beyond the edges of the cut-resistant fabric 200 to formone or more seam regions 170 having the form or shape of a periphery orsalvage portion 162 which further comprises one or more tabs 160A, 160B,160C. Respective portions of the periphery or salvage portion 162 and/ortabs 160A, 160B, 160C, as one or more seam regions 170, are theninserted (at any selected or desired location within the one or moreseam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the exteriorfabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 orgusset 70, such as along three sides or edges. For example and withoutlimitation, tab 160A is inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a firstseam 60, tab 160B is inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a secondseam 60, and tab 160C is inserted and stitched (or adhered) into a thirdseam 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is coupled, suchas through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) toa second flexible material (or material layer) 408 to form one or moreseam regions 170 having the form factor of a peripheral binding 164,which is illustrated as extending along the periphery of thecut-resistant fabric 200 and beyond the edges of the cut-resistantfabric 200 on three sides. Respective portions of the peripheral binding164, as one or more seam regions 170, are then inserted (at any selectedor desired location within the one or more seam regions 170, along withother materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) intoand stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G ina bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along any of theillustrated three sides or edges coupled to the peripheral binding 164,as previously described.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, the cut-resistant fabric 200 is coupled, suchas through stitching 415 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) toa second flexible material (or material layer) 408 having the formfactor of a peripheral binding 164 which further comprises one or moretabs 160A, 160B, 160C, which is illustrated as extending along theperiphery of the cut-resistant fabric 200 and beyond the edges of thecut-resistant fabric 200 on three sides. The peripheral binding 164 hasa plurality of tabs 160A, 160B, 160C. Respective portions of theperipheral binding 164 and/or tabs 160A, 160B, 160C, as one or more seamregions 170, are then inserted (at any selected or desired locationwithin the one or more seam regions 170, along with other materials,such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (oradhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100G in a bag 50, bagpanel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along three sides or edges. Forexample and without limitation, tab 160A is inserted and stitched (oradhered) into a first seam 60, tab 160B is inserted and stitched (oradhered) into a second seam 60, and tab 160C is inserted and stitched(or adhered) into a third seam 60.

FIGS. 31-33 are plan views illustrating an eighth embodiment of asecurity panel assembly 100H formed from a plurality of first flexiblematerials (or material layers) 406 having knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, such as acut-resistant fabric 200, which is coupled to at least one secondflexible material (or material layer) 408, which is generally notcut-resistant and otherwise is not required to include any polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. The one or more firstflexible materials (or material layers) 406 having knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, may besecured to a second flexible material (or material layer) 408 such asthrough stitching 415 or an adhesive 132 (not separately illustrated),to form a security panel assembly 100H. In a representative embodiment,the one or more second flexible materials (or material layers) 408 maybe separate one or more second flexible materials (or material layers)408 or may be embodied as the exterior fabric or material 40 or lining42.

In a representative security panel assembly 100H, a plurality ofcut-resistant fabrics 200, as a plurality of first flexible materials(or material layers) 406 having an embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, is coupled (such as through stitching or anadhesive) to one or more second flexible materials (or material layers)408 which are not cut-resistant. In representative embodiments, asdiscussed in greater detail below, portions of the one or more secondflexible materials (or material layers) 408 (one or more seam regions170) are inserted (with other materials, such as the exterior fabric 40and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 tosecure the assembly 100H in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70.

For the security panel assembly 100H, the one or more second flexiblematerials (or material layers) 408 also extend beyond one or more edges168 of the first flexible materials (or material layers) 406, formingone or more seam regions 170. The one or more seam regions 170 areinserted (at any selected or desired location within the one or moreseam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the exteriorfabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams60 to secure the assembly 100H in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 orgusset 70.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, a plurality of strips of first flexiblematerials (or material layers) 406 having an embedded polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, such as a plurality of strips ofa cut-resistant fabric 200, are coupled, such as through stitching 415or an adhesive (not separately illustrated) to a second flexiblematerial (or material layer) 408. The plurality of strips of firstflexible materials (or material layers) 406 having an embedded polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are illustrated asextending either laterally and/or longitudinally across the secondflexible material (or material layer) 408 and within (i.e., not beyond)the edges 172 of the second flexible material (or material layer) 408.As a result, the second flexible material (or material layer) 408 alsoforms one or more seam regions 170 having the form or shape of aperiphery or salvage portion 162. FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate someavailable variations, in which the plurality of strips of first flexiblematerials (or material layers) 406 having an embedded polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are illustrated as extending onlylaterally (FIG. 32) or the plurality of first flexible materials (ormaterial layers) 406 having an embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are illustrated as having circular shapes(FIG. 33), such as providing a decorative (e.g., sequin) effect when theplurality of circles of first flexible materials (or material layers)406 having an embedded polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 are applied to the exterior of the bag 50. Respective portions ofthe periphery or salvage portion 162, as one or more seam regions 170,are then inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one ormore seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the exteriorfabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams60 to secure the assembly 100H in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 orgusset 70, such as along any of four sides or edges, as previouslydescribed.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are plan views illustrating a ninth embodiment of asecurity panel assembly 100J formed from selectively coating a firstflexible material (or material layer) 406, in one or more selected areasor regions 176 of the first flexible material (or material layer) 406 oracross the entire first flexible material (or material layer) 406, witha nonmetallic, cut-resistant polymer, rubber, or resin 175. Thecut-resistant polymer or resin 175 may be selected to provide anydesired or selected flexibility, adherence, cut-resistance, and otherproperties, and may be applied in any selected or desired thickness, inany selected or desired shapes, in any selected or desired regions 176,and in any selected or desired number of layers or coatings, for exampleand without limitation. The first flexible material (or material layer)406 may include, for example and without limitation, a periphery orsalvage portion 162 (as illustrated in FIG. 34) and/or one or more tabs160 (as illustrated in FIG. 35), as one or more seam regions 170, whichare then inserted (at any selected or desired location within the one ormore seam regions 170, along with other materials, such as the exteriorfabric 40 and/or lining 42) into and stitched (or adhered) within seams60 to secure the assembly 100J in a bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 orgusset 70, such as along any of four sides or edges, as previouslydescribed.

The cut-resistant polymer, rubber, or resin 175 may comprise, forexample and without limitation, any polymer, polymeric precursor,rubber, or resin selected from the group consisting of: natural andsynthetic rubber materials; any type or form of plastics; lacquers;vinyls and polyvinyls such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylic acids,polyethylene oxides, polyvinyl butyral (PVB); diethylene glycol,propylene glycol, 2-ethyl oxazoline; clays such as hectorite clays,garamite clays, organo-modified clays; saccharides and polysaccharidessuch as guar gum, xanthan gum; celluloses and modified celluloses suchas hydroxy methylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propylmethylcellulose, methoxy cellulose, methoxy methylcellulose, methoxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyl ethylcellulose,cellulose ether, cellulose ethyl ether, chitosan; polymers such asacrylate and (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers; glycols such asethylene glycols, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propyleneglycols, dipropylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates; andcombinations thereof.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are isometric views illustrating a security panelassembly 100 having knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116,forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125, arranged to span multiple panelsor sections of a carrying bag 50. Any of the various security panelassemblies 100 may be utilized, and may be utilized to include differentselected combinations of features. For example, as illustrated in FIG.36, the security panel assembly 100 includes peripheral bindings 164 anda lateral binding 174, also forming one or more tabs 160, one or more ofwhich can be seam regions 170, which are then inserted (at any selectedor desired location within the one or more seam regions 170, along withother materials, such as the exterior fabric 40 and/or lining 42) intoand stitched (or adhered) within seams 60 to secure the assembly 100 ina bag 50, bag panel 35, 45, 55 or gusset 70, such as along any of foursides or edges, as previously described. Also for example, asillustrated in FIG. 37, the security panel assembly 100 includes aperipheral binding 164, and further includes a double layer of securitypanel assemblies 100 (in region 178), such as for added protection.

FIG. 38 is an isometric view illustrating a first embodiment of acarrying strap 20A formed from knit, woven, or spun cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectionalview (through the D-D′ plane) of the first embodiment of a carryingstrap 20A illustrated in FIG. 38. As illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39,carrying strap 20A comprises a woven webbing 205 (i.e., a flexible,woven material having finished lateral edges) in which one or more ofthe woven threads, fibers or yarns of the webbing 205 are comprised of anonmetallic, cut-resistant yarn or fiber 110, 112, 114, or 116, such asthe illustrated warp threads. Stated another way, the cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125 are woven directly into thewebbing 205.

For the various carrying straps 20B-20T discussed below, reference maybe made to a fabric or webbing material which does not include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. It should benoted that this feature is entirely optional, such that a polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 are not required in thesefabric or webbing materials (e.g., webbing 210, fabric or webbing 215,220), and any such fabric or webbing materials may be modified toinclude a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 withinthe scope of the disclosure.

For the various carrying straps 20B-20T discussed below, reference maybe made to a fabric or webbing material which does include a polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. It should be noted thatany such fabric or webbing material which does include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, e.g., a second fabric or webbingmaterial 284, may be embodied as or may be comprised of a security panelassembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and withoutlimitation.

FIG. 40 is an isometric view illustrating a second embodiment of acarrying strap 20B formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 41 is across-sectional view (through the E-E′ plane) of the second embodimentof a carrying strap 20B illustrated in FIG. 40. As illustrated in FIGS.40 and 41, carrying strap 20B comprises a first webbing material 210which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled such as through stitching 212(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second fabric orwebbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix 125having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the secondfabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a security panelassembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and withoutlimitation. As illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material 284(e.g., a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200) hasbeen at least partially wrapped in the lateral dimension around itslateral edges 214 by a third fabric or webbing material 215 havinglateral folds 216 and extending toward the center of the strap 20B inbetween the second fabric or webbing material 284 and the first webbingmaterial 210. The third fabric or webbing material 215 typically doesnot have, although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for this representative embodiment,additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as arrangedlaterally to the lateral edges 214 of the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 and included within the lateral folds 216 of the thirdfabric or webbing material 215. Additional variations of this strap 20Bstructure are illustrated and discussed below with reference to FIGS. 74and 75.

FIG. 42 is an isometric view illustrating a third embodiment of acarrying strap 20C formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 43 is across-sectional view (through the F-F′ plane) of the third embodiment ofa carrying strap illustrated in FIG. 42. As illustrated in FIGS. 42 and43, carrying strap 20C comprises a first fabric or webbing material 220which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled such as through stitching 212(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second fabric orwebbing material 284 which does comprise or include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment,the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a securitypanel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example andwithout limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 has been completely wrapped in the lateral dimension aroundits lateral edges 214 by the first fabric or webbing material 220 havinglateral folds 218. As an option for this representative embodiment, thefirst fabric or webbing material 220 also includes central (or middle)folds 222, which are also stitched (through stitching 212) to the secondfabric or webbing material 284. As another option for thisrepresentative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded, illustrated as arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214 ofthe second fabric or webbing material 284 and included within thelateral folds 218 of the first fabric or webbing material 220.

FIG. 44 is an isometric view illustrating a fourth embodiment of acarrying strap 20D formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 45 is across-sectional view (through the G-G′ plane) of the fourth embodimentof a carrying strap 20D illustrated in FIG. 44. As illustrated in FIGS.44 and 45, carrying strap 20D comprises a first fabric or webbingmaterial 220 which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled such as through stitching 212(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second fabric orwebbing material 284 which does comprise or include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment,the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprised of a securitypanel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example andwithout limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 has been completely wrapped in the lateral dimension on afirst side 228 and around its lateral edges 214 by the first fabric orwebbing material 220 having lateral folds 218. The carrying strap 20Ddiffers from carrying strap 20C insofar as the carrying strap 20D alsoincludes a third fabric or webbing material 215 arranged or coupled on asecond side 230 of the second fabric or webbing material 284. As anoption for this representative embodiment, the first fabric or webbingmaterial 220 also includes central (or middle) folds 222, which are alsostitched (through stitching 212) to the third fabric or webbing material215 and to the second fabric or webbing material 284. As another optionfor this representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded, illustrated as arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214 ofthe second fabric or webbing material 284 and included within thelateral folds 218 of the first fabric or webbing material 220.

FIG. 46 is an isometric view illustrating a fifth embodiment of acarrying strap 20E formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 47 is across-sectional view (through the H-H′ plane) of the fifth embodiment ofa carrying strap 20E illustrated in FIG. 46. As illustrated in FIGS. 46and 47, carrying strap 20E comprises a first webbing material 210 whichdoes not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116, which is coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive,not separately illustrated) to a second webbing material 235 (or asecond fabric or webbing material 284) which does include a polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for thisrepresentative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded (not separately illustrated), such as arranged in between thefirst webbing material 210 and the second webbing material 235 and anyintervening layers (not separately illustrated). Any of the variousfirst webbing material 210 and the second webbing material 235 (orsecond fabric or webbing material 284) may also include (upward ordownward) lateral folds (not separately illustrated) extending towardthe longitudinal center or middle of the strap 20E. It should be notedthat the first webbing material 210 and the second webbing material 235(or a second fabric or webbing material 284) may have any of variousthicknesses, lengths, and lateral dimensions, in addition to thoseillustrated, e.g., any of the first webbing material 210 and secondwebbing material 235 (or a second fabric or webbing material 284) may bethicker or thinner than the other, or wider or narrower than the other,or having equal widths and/or thicknesses, for example and withoutlimitation.

FIG. 48 is an isometric view illustrating a sixth embodiment of acarrying strap 20F formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 49 is across-sectional view (through the J-J′ plane) of the sixth embodiment ofa carrying strap 20F illustrated in FIG. 48. As illustrated in FIGS. 48and 49, carrying strap 20F comprises a first fabric or webbing material220 which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled such as through stitching 212(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to a second fabric orwebbing material 284. In a representative embodiment, the second fabricor webbing material 284 may be comprised of a security panel assembly100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without limitation.As illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material 284 has beenpartially wrapped in the lateral dimension around a first lateral edge214A by the first fabric or webbing material 220 having a lateral fold218. A third binding fabric or material 240 has a lateral fold 242 whichwraps around the second lateral edge 214B of the second fabric orwebbing material 284 and which further covers the lateral regions 244A,244B of the first fabric or webbing material 220. The third bindingfabric or material 240 (which may or may not include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116) is coupled through the stitching212 to the second fabric or webbing material 284 and to the lateralregions 244 of the first fabric or webbing material 220. As an optionfor this representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded, illustrated as arranged laterally to the lateral edges 214A,214B of the second fabric or webbing material 284 and includedrespectively within the lateral fold 218 of the first fabric or webbingmaterial 220 and the lateral fold 242 of the third binding fabric ormaterial 240.

FIG. 50 is an isometric view illustrating a seventh embodiment of acarrying strap 20G formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 51 is across-sectional view (through the K-K′ plane) of the seventh embodimentof a carrying strap 20G illustrated in FIG. 50. As illustrated in FIGS.50 and 51, carrying strap 20G comprises a first fabric or webbingmaterial 220 which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, which is folded around and coupled (such asthrough stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated))to enclose a second fabric or webbing material 284. In a representativeembodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprisedof a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, forexample and without limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric orwebbing material 284 has been partially wrapped in the lateral dimensionon first and second sides 228, 230 and around a first lateral edge 214Aby the first fabric or webbing material 220 having a lateral fold 218.Adjacent the second lateral edge 214B of the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284, the lateral regions 244A, 244B of the first fabric orwebbing material 220 are coupled to each other, such as throughstitching 212. As an option for this representative embodiment, thefirst fabric or webbing material 220 may also include lateral folds 246(illustrated using dashed lines), which are also stitched together(through stitching 212) to enclose the second fabric or webbing material284.

As another option for this representative embodiment, additionalcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as arranged laterallyto the lateral edges 214 of the second fabric or webbing material 284and included within the lateral fold 218 and/or within the coupledlateral regions 244 of the first fabric or webbing material 220.

FIG. 52 is an isometric view illustrating an eighth embodiment of acarrying strap 20H formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 53 is across-sectional view (through the L-L′ plane) of the eighth embodimentof a carrying strap 20H illustrated in FIG. 52. As illustrated in FIGS.52 and 53, carrying strap 20H comprises a first webbing material 210which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116, which is coupled around its lateral edges 252A,252B and lateral regions 254A, 254B, such as through stitching 212(and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated), respectively to one ormore second binding fabrics or materials 250A, 250B, which secondbinding fabrics or materials 250 comprise or otherwise include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. For example,the second binding fabrics or materials 250 may be comprised of asecurity panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200. Asillustrated, the second binding fabrics or materials 250A, 250Brespectively have lateral folds 256A, 256B which respectively wraparound the lateral edges 252A, 252B and lateral regions 254A, 254B ofthe first webbing material 210. As an option, the second binding fabricsor materials 250A, 250B may also have additional folds 251, illustratedwith dashed lines. As another option for this representative embodiment,additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as arrangedlaterally to the lateral edges 252A, 252B of the first webbing material210 and included respectively within the lateral folds 256A, 256B of thesecond binding fabrics or materials 250A, 250B.

As another option for this representative strap 20H embodiment, notseparately illustrated, using the same illustrated structure, the firstwebbing material 210 may include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 (e.g., replaced by a cut-resistant fabric orwebbing 235), and the second binding fabrics or materials 250 may or maynot include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. Forsuch an embodiment, any of the various additional cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 may be omitted or included, optionally.

FIG. 54 is an isometric view illustrating a ninth embodiment of acarrying strap 201 formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 55 is across-sectional view (through the M-M′ plane) of the ninth embodiment ofa carrying strap 201 illustrated in FIG. 54. As illustrated in FIGS. 54and 55, carrying strap 201 comprises a first and second fabric orwebbing materials 220A, 220B which do not include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which are coupled to each other(at lateral regions 244A, 244C and 244B, 244D) such as through stitching212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to enclose (e.g.,to sandwich) a third, core fabric or webbing material 260 which doesinclude a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In arepresentative embodiment, the third, core fabric or webbing material260, which may be similar to or the same as the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284, may be comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or acut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without limitation. As anoption for this representative embodiment, additional cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 may be included, such as arranged laterally to the third, corefabric or webbing material 260 and in between the first fabric orwebbing material 220A and the second fabric or webbing material 220B andany intervening layers (not separately illustrated).

FIG. 56 is an isometric view illustrating a tenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20J formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 57 is across-sectional view (through the N-N′ plane) of the tenth embodiment ofa carrying strap 20J illustrated in FIG. 56. As illustrated in FIGS. 56and 57, carrying strap 20J comprises a first and second fabric orwebbing materials 220A, 220B which do not include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which are respectively coupled(such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separatelyillustrated)) to first and second sides 262, 264 of a third, core fabricor webbing material 260 which does include a polymeric fiber matrix 125having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representative embodiment, the third,core fabric or webbing material 260, which may be similar to or the sameas the second fabric or webbing material 284, may be comprised of asecurity panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for exampleand without limitation. The carrying strap 20J differs from the carryingstrap 201 insofar as fourth binding fabrics or materials 265A, 265B(which may or may not also comprise a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116) are included and which have respective lateralfolds 268A, 268B that respectively wrap around the lateral edges 292A,292B of the third, core fabric or webbing material 260, the respectivelateral edges 272A, 272C and 272B, 272D of the first and second fabricor webbing materials 220A, 220B, and which further respectively coverthe lateral regions 244A, 244C and 244B, 244D of the first and secondfabric or webbing materials 220A, 220B. The fourth binding fabrics ormaterials 265A, 265B are coupled through the stitching 212 to the third,core fabric or webbing material 260 and to the lateral regions 244A,244C and 244B, 244D of the first and second fabric or webbing materials220A, 220B. As an option for this representative embodiment, additionalcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such as arranged laterally to thethird, core fabric or webbing material 260 and enclosed within thelateral folds 268A, 268B of the fourth binding fabrics or materials265A, 265B.

FIG. 58 is an isometric view illustrating an eleventh embodiment of acarrying strap 20K formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 59 is across-sectional view (through the P-P′ plane) of the eleventh embodimentof a carrying strap 20K illustrated in FIG. 58. As illustrated in FIGS.58 and 59, carrying strap 20K comprises a first, tubular fabric orwebbing material 280 having a central lumen or channel 282. The first,tubular fabric or webbing material 280 generally is not required to anddoes not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116. A second fabric or webbing material 284 which does include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 is arrangedwithin the central lumen or channel 282 of the first, tubular fabric orwebbing material 280. In a representative embodiment, the second fabricor webbing material 284 may be comprised of a security panel assembly100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without limitation.While not required, but available as an option for this representativeembodiment, the first, tubular fabric or webbing material 280 may becoupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, notseparately illustrated) to the second fabric or webbing material 284.Also an option for this representative embodiment, additionalcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included (not separately illustrated), suchas also arranged within the central lumen or channel 282.

FIG. 60 is an isometric view illustrating a twelfth embodiment of acarrying strap 20L formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 61 is across-sectional view (through the Q-Q′ plane) of the twelfth embodimentof a carrying strap 20L illustrated in FIG. 60. As illustrated in FIGS.60 and 61, carrying strap 20L comprises a first and second webbingmaterials 210A, 210B which do not include a polymeric fiber matrix 125having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which are coupled (such as throughstitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated)) to eachother and to a third, core fabric or webbing material 260 which doesinclude a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, toenclose (e.g., to sandwich) the third, core fabric or webbing material260. In a representative embodiment, the third, core fabric or webbingmaterial 260, which may be similar to or the same as the second fabricor webbing material 284, may be comprised of a security panel assembly100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without limitation.As an option for this representative embodiment, additionalcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such as arranged laterally to thethird, core fabric or webbing material 260 and in between the firstwebbing material 210A and the second webbing material 210B and anyintervening layers (not separately illustrated).

For this carrying strap 20L embodiment, the first and second webbingmaterials 210A, 210B are offset laterally from each other, in an offsetarrangement partially described in the related applications. The firstwebbing material 210A has a first lateral edge 252A, a first lateralregion 244A, a second lateral edge 252B, and a second lateral region254B. The second webbing material 210B has a first lateral edge 252C, afirst lateral region 254C, a second lateral edge 252D, and a secondlateral region 254D.

The first lateral region 254C of the second webbing material 210B has alateral fold 276 which wraps around the first lateral edge 292A of thethird, core fabric or webbing material 260. The second lateral region254B of the first webbing material 210A has a lateral fold 278 whichwraps around the second lateral edge 292B of the third, core fabric orwebbing material 260. In this arrangement, the first lateral edge 252Cof the second webbing material 210B is adjacent the first lateral edge252A of the first webbing material 210A on a first side 294 of the strap20L, and the second lateral edge 252D of the second webbing material210B is adjacent the second lateral edge 252B of the first webbingmaterial 210A on a second side 296 of the strap 20L.

FIG. 62 is an isometric view illustrating a thirteenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20M formed from routed, knit, woven, or spuncut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 63 is across-sectional view (through the R-R′ plane) of the thirteenthembodiment of a carrying strap 20M illustrated in FIG. 62. Asillustrated in FIGS. 62 and 63, carrying strap 20M comprises a first,filler material core 255 which does not include a polymeric fiber matrix125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 and a second fabric or webbing material284 (which does include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116). The second fabric or webbing material 284 isfolded or wrapped laterally (lateral folds 261) around the first, fillermaterial core 255 and encloses the first, filler material core 255. Thesecond fabric or webbing material 284 is coupled, such as throughstitching 212 or an adhesive (not separately illustrated), to the first,filler material core 255. In a representative embodiment, as an optionas illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material 284 also hascentral folds 257, creating a double layer of second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 on a first side 259 of the strap 20M, coupled to the first,filler material core 255 through stitches 212 (or an adhesive, aspreviously described). As an option for this representative embodiment,additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such as arrangedlaterally to the first, filler material core 255 and enclosed by thesecond fabric or webbing material 284 and any intervening layers (notseparately illustrated).

It should be noted that the first, filler material core 255 may becomprised of any flexible material, such as any type of fabric, any typeof sponge, or any other type of compressible or non-compressiblematerial which will add thickness to the strap 20. For any selectedembodiment, as an option, the first, filler material core 255 also mayinclude a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116.

FIG. 64 is an isometric view illustrating a fourteenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20N formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns orfibers. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view (through the S-S′ plane) ofthe fourteenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20N illustrated in FIG.64. As illustrated in FIGS. 64 and 65, carrying strap 20N comprises afirst, filler material core 255 which generally does not include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, a pluralityof cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 which are arranged adjacent or next to the lateraledges 258 of the first, filler material core 255, and a second fabric orwebbing material 290 (also which optionally does not include a polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116). The second fabric orwebbing material 290 may be comprised of any flexible material, such asany type of fabric, any type of sponge, leather, suede, etc. The secondfabric or webbing material 290 is folded or wrapped laterally (lateralfolds 302) around the first, filler material core 255 and thecut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 and encloses the first, filler material core 255and the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. The second fabric or webbing material 290is coupled, such as through stitching 212 or an adhesive (not separatelyillustrated), to the first, filler material core 255 and also securesthe cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 in place. In a representative embodiment, as anoption as illustrated, the second fabric or webbing material 290 alsohas central folds 304, creating a double layer of second fabric orwebbing material 290 on a first side 306 of the strap 20N, coupled tothe first, filler material core 255 through stitches 212 (or anadhesive, as previously described). As an option for this representativeembodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such asarranged above or below the first, filler material core 255 or withinthe central folds 304 and enclosed by the second fabric or webbingmaterial 290 and any intervening layers (not separately illustrated).

FIG. 66 is an isometric view illustrating a fifteenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20P formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns orfibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarnsor fibers forming a polymeric fiber matrix 125. FIG. 67 is across-sectional view (through the T-T′ plane) of the fifteenthembodiment of a carrying strap 20P illustrated in FIG. 66. Asillustrated in FIGS. 66 and 67, carrying strap 20P comprises a firstfabric or webbing material 220 which generally does not include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, a secondfabric or webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and a plurality ofcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 which are arranged adjacent or next to the lateraledges 310 of the strap 20P. More specifically, the second fabric orwebbing material 284 is arranged underneath the first fabric or webbingmaterial 220, and both the second fabric or webbing material 284 and thefirst fabric or webbing material 220 are collectively folded laterallyto form the lateral edges 310 of the strap 20P, respectively havinglateral folds 261 and lateral folds 218, with the cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 arranged within these lateral folds, specifically within theinnermost lateral folds, the lateral folds 261. Not separatelyillustrated, the strap 20P may also include additional filler material,such as a first, filler material core 255 arranged within the interiorof the strap 20P. The first fabric or webbing material 220 and thesecond fabric or webbing material 284 are folded or wrapped laterallyaround the cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 and enclose the cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. Thefirst fabric or webbing material 220 and the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 are coupled, such as through stitching 212 or an adhesive(not separately illustrated), to secure the cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 inplace. In a representative embodiment, as an option as illustrated, thefirst fabric or webbing material 220 also has central folds 222,creating a double layer of first fabric or webbing material 220 on afirst side 308 of the strap 20P, coupled through stitches 212 (or anadhesive, as previously described). As an option for this representativeembodiment, not separately illustrated, the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 does not extend fully along the second side 312 of thestrap 20P (e.g., does not include a central or middle portion 314, andinstead includes centrally arranged filler material), and is embodiedinstead in the form of two or more lateral bindings which arerespectively folded and wrapped around the laterally-arrangedcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 and within the lateral folds 218 of the firstfabric or webbing material 220. As another option for thisrepresentative embodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded, such as arranged centrally (in the middle) of the interior ofthe strap 20P and enclosed by the first fabric or webbing material 220and any intervening layers (such as second fabric or webbing material284, not separately illustrated).

FIG. 68 is an isometric view illustrating a sixteenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20Q formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns orfibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarnsor fibers. FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view (through the U-U′ plane) ofthe sixteenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20Q illustrated in FIG. 68.As illustrated in FIGS. 68 and 69, carrying strap 20Q comprises a firstwebbing material 210 which does not include cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, whichis coupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, notseparately illustrated) to a second fabric or webbing material 284 whichdoes include a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116, and cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 which are arranged centrally along thelongitudinal middle of the strap 20Q in between the first webbingmaterial 210 and the second fabric or webbing material 284. In arepresentative embodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 maybe comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric200, for example and without limitation. As illustrated, the secondfabric or webbing material 284 (e.g., a security panel assembly 100 or acut-resistant fabric 200) has lateral folds 261 and has been at leastpartially wrapped in the lateral dimension around its lateral folds 261by a third fabric or webbing material 215 having lateral folds 216 andextending toward the center of the strap 20Q in between the secondfabric or webbing material 284 and the first webbing material 210, andsecured through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separatelyillustrated). The third fabric or webbing material 215 typically doesnot have, although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for this representative embodiment,not separately illustrated, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded, such as arranged within the lateral folds 261 of the secondfabric or webbing material 284.

FIG. 70 is an isometric view illustrating a seventeenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20R formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns orfibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarnsor fibers. FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view (through the V-V′ plane) ofthe seventeenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20R illustrated in FIG.70. As illustrated in FIGS. 70 and 71, carrying strap 20R comprises afirst, filler material core 255 which generally does not include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and a firstfabric or webbing material 220 (also which optionally does not include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116). The firstfabric or webbing material 220 is folded or wrapped laterally (lateralfolds 218) around the first, filler material core 255, which are coupledsuch as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separatelyillustrated) to a second fabric or webbing material 284 which doesinclude a polymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, andcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 which are arranged centrally along thelongitudinal middle of the strap 20R in between the first, fillermaterial core 255 (and/or the first fabric or webbing material 220) andthe second fabric or webbing material 284. In a representativeembodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprisedof a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, forexample and without limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric orwebbing material 284 (e.g., a security panel assembly 100 or acut-resistant fabric 200) has been at least partially wrapped in thelateral dimension by a third fabric or webbing material 215 havinglateral folds 216 and extending toward the center of the strap 20R inbetween the second fabric or webbing material 284 and the first fabricor webbing material 220 (and/or second fabric or webbing material 284),and secured through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separatelyillustrated). The third fabric or webbing material 215 typically doesnot have, although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix 125 havingcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for this representative embodiment,not separately illustrated, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may beincluded, such as arranged within any of the various lateral folds 218,216.

As another option for this representative strap 20R embodiment, notseparately illustrated, using the same illustrated folded structure ofthe first fabric or webbing material 220 and the third fabric or webbingmaterial 215, the first, filler material core 255 may be replaced by acut-resistant fabric or webbing 235 or a cut-resistant second fabric orwebbing material 284, for example and without limitation. As anotheroption for this representative strap 20R embodiment, not separatelyillustrated, using the same illustrated folded structure of the firstfabric or webbing material 220 and the third fabric or webbing material215, the cut-resistant second fabric or webbing material 284 may beomitted, for example and without limitation, while including thecentrally arranged cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. For such embodiments, any of thevarious second fabric or webbing material 284 in other locations (suchas wrapped within the folded third fabric or webbing material 215)and/or cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads oryarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be omitted or included, optionally.

FIG. 72 is an isometric view illustrating an eighteenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20S formed from nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarns orfibers and routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic, cut-resistant yarnsor fibers. FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view (through the W-W′ plane) ofthe eighteenth embodiment of a carrying strap 20S illustrated in FIG.72. As illustrated in FIGS. 72 and 73, carrying strap 20S comprises afirst, filler material core 255 which generally does not include apolymeric fiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers,filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, and a secondfabric or webbing material 284 which does include a polymeric fibermatrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables,threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which may be arranged in aplurality of locations within the strap 20S as illustrated using dashedlines. In a representative embodiment, the second fabric or webbingmaterial 284 may be comprised of a security panel assembly 100 or acut-resistant fabric 200, for example and without limitation. A thirdfabric or webbing material 215 is folded or wrapped laterally (firstlateral fold 216A extending toward the center of the strap 20S, andsecond lateral fold 216B) around the first, filler material core 255 andsecond fabric or webbing material 284 (when included at the locationnext to the first, filler material core 255), and folded again (thirdlateral fold 216C also extending toward the center of the strap 20S) toform a plurality of layers of the third fabric or webbing material 215,a first bottom layer 316, a second top layer 318, and third and fourthintermediate layers 322 and 324. As an option, cut-resistant, polymericfibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 arearranged centrally along the longitudinal middle of the strap 20S inbetween the third and fourth intermediate layers 322 and 324 of thefolded third fabric or webbing material 215, and/or within the lateralfolds 216A, 216B, and/or 216C.

In a representative embodiment, the second fabric or webbing material284 may be arranged centrally, along the longitudinal middle of thestrap 20S, in any of a plurality of locations, such as (1) in betweenthe third intermediate layer 322 and the first bottom layer 316 of thethird fabric or webbing material 215; or (2) in between the fourthintermediate layer 324 and the second top layer 318; or (3) the secondfabric or webbing material 284 may be arranged in between the thirdintermediate layer 322 and the first bottom layer 316 of the thirdfabric or webbing material 215 and may further extend around (withinlateral fold 216B) in between the fourth intermediate layer 324 and thesecond top layer 318. The first, filler material core 255, the secondfabric or webbing material 284, and the folded third fabric or webbingmaterial 215 are secured through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, notseparately illustrated). The third fabric or webbing material 215typically does not have, although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. As an option for this representativeembodiment, additional cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, such asarranged within any of the various lateral folds 216A, 216B, 216C, asillustrated, for example and without limitation.

As another option for this representative strap 20S embodiment, notseparately illustrated, using the same illustrated folded structure ofthe third fabric or webbing material 215, the third fabric or webbingmaterial 215 may be replaced by a cut-resistant fabric or webbing 235,for example and without limitation. For such an embodiment, any of thevarious second fabric or webbing material 284 and/or cut-resistant,polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or116 may be omitted or included, optionally.

Such exchanges of any of the various cut-resistant and non-cut-resistantfabric and webbing materials, and inclusion of non-inclusion ofcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 and/or a polymeric fiber matrix 125, may beperformed for any of the various straps 20, as necessary or desirable,to tailor the cut-resistance of the strap 20 to any desired level, e.g.,to an ANSI level A5, for example. In addition, any of the fabric,webbing or other material components straps 20 may include anyadditional lateral folds, which may be upward folds or downward folds,extending toward or away from the longitudinal center or middle of thestrap 20, which may also be coupled (such as through stitching oradhesive) to other fabric, webbing or other material components straps20.

FIG. 74 is an isometric view illustrating a nineteenth embodiment of acarrying strap 20T formed from routed, knit, woven, or spun nonmetallic,cut-resistant yarns or fibers. FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view(through the X-X′ plane) of the nineteenth embodiment of a carryingstrap 20T illustrated in FIG. 74. As illustrated in FIGS. 74 and 75,carrying strap 20T (as a variant of the strap 20B structure) comprises afirst fabric or webbing material 220 which does not include a polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, which is folded (upwardlateral folds 218), wraps around and is coupled such as throughstitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, not separately illustrated) to asecond fabric or webbing material 284 which does include a polymericfiber matrix 125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116. In a representativeembodiment, the second fabric or webbing material 284 may be comprisedof a security panel assembly 100 or a cut-resistant fabric 200, forexample and without limitation. As illustrated, the second fabric orwebbing material 284 (e.g., a security panel assembly 100 or acut-resistant fabric 200) has been at least partially wrapped in thelateral dimension around its lateral edges 214 by the first fabric orwebbing material 220 having lateral folds 218 and extending toward thecenter of the strap 20T. A third fabric or webbing material 215 whichtypically does not have, although it may have, a polymeric fiber matrix125 having cut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threadsor yarns 110, 112, 114, or 116, has (downward) lateral folds 216. Thefirst fabric or webbing material 220 (through its lateral folds 218) iscoupled such as through stitching 212 (and/or an adhesive, notseparately illustrated) to the second fabric or webbing material 284,and to the third fabric or webbing material 215 (through its lateralfolds 216). As an option for this representative embodiment, additionalcut-resistant, polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns110, 112, 114, or 116 may be included, illustrated as arranged laterallyto the lateral edges 214 of the second fabric or webbing material 284and included within the lateral folds 218 of the first fabric or webbingmaterial 220 or included within the lateral folds 216 of the thirdfabric or webbing material 215.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative and notrestrictive of the invention. In the description herein, numerousspecific details are provided, such as examples of electroniccomponents, electronic and structural connections, materials, andstructural variations, to provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant artwill recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with otherapparatus, systems, assemblies, components, materials, parts, etc. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notspecifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects ofembodiments of the present invention. One having skill in the art willfurther recognize that additional or equivalent method steps may beutilized, or may be combined with other steps, or may be performed indifferent orders, any and all of which are within the scope of theclaimed invention. In addition, the various Figures are not drawn toscale and should not be regarded as limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or a specific “embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment and not necessarily in allembodiments, and further, are not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in anysuitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more otherembodiments, including the use of selected features withoutcorresponding use of other features. In addition, many modifications maybe made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to theessential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to beunderstood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments ofthe present invention described and illustrated herein are possible inlight of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of thespirit and scope of the present invention.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe Figures can also be implemented in a more separate or integratedmanner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in certain cases, as maybe useful in accordance with a particular application. Integrally formedcombinations of components are also within the scope of the invention,particularly for embodiments in which a separation or combination ofdiscrete components is unclear or indiscernible. In addition, use of theterm “coupled” herein, including in its various forms such as “coupling”or “couplable”, means and includes any direct or indirect structuralcoupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for sucha direct or indirect structural coupling, connection or attachment,including integrally formed components and components which are coupledvia or through another component.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

Furthermore, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Combinations of components of steps will also beconsidered within the scope of the present invention, particularly wherethe ability to separate or combine is unclear or foreseeable. Thedisjunctive term “or”, as used herein and throughout the claims thatfollow, is generally intended to mean “and/or”, having both conjunctiveand disjunctive meanings (and is not confined to an “exclusive or”meaning), unless otherwise indicated. As used in the description hereinand throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” shall not belimited to a single item or element and include plural references unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise and unless specificallydisclaimed. Also as used in the description herein and throughout theclaims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, thoughspecific claim language may include the word “between”, theinterpretation of such a word shall not be limited to preclude extent ofelements beyond boundaries of the example unless specific disclaimer ismade or unless by virtue of prosecution the term is to be limited. Theexamples of the invention should therefore not be interpreted aslimiting unless indicated as such.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the presentinvention, including what is described in the summary or in theabstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention tothe precise forms disclosed herein. From the foregoing, it will beobserved that numerous variations, modifications and substitutions areintended and may be effected without departing from the spirit and scopeof the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that nolimitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatusillustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course,intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fallwithin the scope of the claims. Thus, while there has been set forthembodiments of the invention, the invention is to be limited only by thefollowing claims and equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying strap comprising: a first flexiblefabric or webbing; and a second flexible fabric or webbing coupled tothe first flexible fabric or webbing, the second flexible fabric orwebbing comprising a polymeric fiber matrix, the polymeric fiber matrixcomprising at least one polymeric fiber arranged as a plurality ofpolymeric fiber intersections or crossings, each fiber intersection orcrossing comprising at least two sections of the at least one polymericfiber abutting each other, the at least to one polymeric fibercomprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread oryarn.
 2. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at least onepolymeric fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn is cut-resistant suchthat the carrying strap has a cut-resistance level to withstand anapplied cutting force up to 500 grams applied over 20 mm laterallyacross the carrying strap.
 3. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein thecarrying strap has a cut-resistance level to withstand an appliedcutting force up to 3,000 grams applied over 20 mm laterally across thecarrying strap.
 4. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing further comprises: a first flexible materiallayer having a first side and a plurality of edges, the polymeric fibermatrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer;and a second flexible material layer arranged adjacent to the polymericfiber matrix and coupled to the first side of the first flexiblematerial layer with a plurality of stitches, or with an adhesive, orwith both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive, to form a securitypanel assembly.
 5. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at leastone polymeric fiber is a multifilament fiber, cable, thread or yarn. 6.The carrying strap of claim 5, wherein the multifilament fiber, cable,thread or yarn comprises at least one polymeric fiber, filament, cable,thread or yarn and either or both at least one carbon fiber or at leastone metallic wire, fiber, filament, cable, thread or yarn.
 7. Thecarrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at least one polymeric fiber,filament, cable, thread or yarn comprises at least one material selectedfrom the group consisting of: aramid; liquid crystal polymer;polyethylene; ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) havinga molecular mass between 3.5 and 7.5 million Daltons; high-moduluspolyethylene (“HMPE”); High Performance Polyethylene (“HPPE”); glass;nylon; polyester; and combinations thereof.
 8. The carrying strap ofclaim 1, wherein the polymeric fiber matrix is comprised of a pluralityof knitted or woven fibers, filaments, cables, threads, or yarns to formthe second flexible fabric or webbing.
 9. The carrying strap of claim 1,wherein the polymeric fiber matrix comprises a mesh or netting having aplurality of bonded or coupled polymeric fiber intersections orcrossings.
 10. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the polymericfiber matrix comprises a plurality of polymeric fibers, filaments,cables, threads or yarns arranged in a crossing or quilting pattern on afirst side of a first flexible material layer and extending on a secondside of the first flexible material layer or an intervening flexiblematerial layer.
 11. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the at leastone polymeric fiber is a monofilament fiber, cable, or thread.
 12. Thecarrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbingis coupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing with a plurality ofstitches, or with an adhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches andan adhesive.
 13. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the firstflexible fabric or webbing is tubular and further comprises a lumen, andwherein the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within thelumen.
 14. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexiblefabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, and wherein thesecond flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first andsecond lateral folds.
 15. The carrying strap of claim 14, furthercomprising: a third flexible fabric or webbing coupled over the firstand second lateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing toenclose the second flexible fabric or webbing between the first flexiblefabric or webbing and the third flexible fabric or webbing.
 16. Thecarrying strap of claim 14, wherein the first flexible fabric or webbingfurther has first and second central folds over the second flexiblefabric or webbing.
 17. The carrying strap of claim 16, furthercomprising: a third flexible fabric or webbing arranged in between thesecond flexible fabric or webbing and the first and second central foldsof the first flexible fabric or webbing to enclose the second flexiblefabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric or webbing and thethird flexible fabric or webbing.
 18. The carrying strap of claim 14,further comprising: a plurality of cut-resistant monofilament polymerfibers arranged within the first and second lateral folds.
 19. Thecarrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible fabric or webbinghas a first lateral fold on a first lateral side, wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first lateral fold;and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: a third flexiblebinding coupled over the first flexible fabric or webbing on a secondlateral side to enclose the second flexible fabric or webbing betweenthe first flexible fabric or webbing and the third flexible binding. 20.The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexible fabric orwebbing has a first lateral fold on a first lateral side to form twolayers of the first flexible fabric or webbing, wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing is arranged within the first lateral fold andwherein a plurality of stitches couple the two layers of the foldedfirst flexible fabric or webbing on the second lateral side.
 21. Thecarrying strap of claim 20, wherein each of the two layers of the foldedfirst flexible fabric or webbing have a lateral fold on the secondlateral side, wherein a plurality of stitches couple the lateral foldsof the two layers of the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on thesecond lateral side.
 22. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein thesecond flexible fabric or webbing has a form factor of a plurality offlexible bindings, a first flexible binding of the plurality of flexiblebindings coupled over the first flexible fabric or webbing on a firstlateral side and a second flexible binding of the plurality of flexiblebindings coupled over the first flexible fabric or webbing on a secondlateral side.
 23. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing has a first side and a second side and firstand second lateral edges, the first flexible fabric or webbing isarranged on the first side of the second flexible fabric or webbing; andwherein the carrying strap further comprises: a third flexible fabric orwebbing arranged on the second side of the second flexible fabric orwebbing and coupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing laterally tothe first and second lateral edges of the second flexible fabric orwebbing.
 24. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the second flexiblefabric or webbing has a first side and a second side and first andsecond lateral edges, the first flexible fabric or webbing is arrangedon the first side of the second flexible fabric or webbing; and whereinthe carrying strap further comprises: a third flexible fabric or webbingarranged on the second side of the second flexible fabric or webbing; afirst flexible binding of a plurality of flexible bindings coupled overthe first and third flexible fabrics or webbings on a first lateralside; and a second flexible binding of the plurality of flexiblebindings coupled over the first and third flexible fabrics or webbingson a second lateral side.
 25. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein thefirst flexible fabric or webbing has a first lateral fold on a firstlateral side; and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: a thirdflexible fabric or webbing offset laterally from the first flexiblefabric or webbing, the third flexible fabric or webbing having a secondlateral fold on a second lateral side; wherein the second flexiblefabric or webbing is arranged within the first lateral fold and thesecond lateral fold.
 26. The carrying strap of claim 25, wherein thefirst flexible fabric or webbing has a first lateral region and a secondlateral region, the third flexible fabric or webbing has a first lateralregion and a second lateral region, wherein the first lateral regions ofthe first and third flexible fabrics or webbings are coupled to a firstside of the second flexible fabric or webbing and the second lateralregions of the first and third flexible fabrics or webbings are coupledto a second side of the second flexible fabric or webbing to enclose thesecond flexible fabric or webbing between the first flexible fabric orwebbing and the third flexible fabric or webbing.
 27. The carrying strapof claim 1, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing has first andsecond lateral folds, and wherein the first flexible fabric or webbingis arranged within the first and second lateral folds.
 28. The carryingstrap of claim 27, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing furtherhas first and second central folds over the first flexible fabric orwebbing.
 29. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexiblefabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds, wherein the secondflexible fabric or webbing has first and second lateral folds and isarranged within the first and second lateral folds of the first flexiblefabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: aplurality of cut-resistant monofilament polymer fibers arranged withinthe first and second lateral folds of the second flexible fabric orwebbing.
 30. The carrying strap of claim 29, wherein the first flexiblefabric or webbing further has first and second central folds over thesecond flexible fabric or webbing.
 31. The carrying strap of claim 1,wherein the first flexible fabric or webbing has first and secondlateral folds, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing has firstand second lateral folds and is arranged within the first and secondlateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein thecarrying strap further comprises: a third flexible fabric or webbingcoupled to the folded first flexible fabric or webbing on a first side;and at least one cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arrangedcentrally between the first side of the folded first flexible fabric orwebbing and the third flexible fabric or webbing.
 32. The carrying strapof claim 1, wherein the first flexible fabric or webbing has first,second and third lateral folds to form a first bottom layer, a secondtop layer, a third intermediate layer and a fourth intermediate layer,wherein the second flexible fabric or webbing is arranged within thefirst and second lateral folds of the first flexible fabric or webbing;and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: at least onecut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally between thethird and fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric orwebbing.
 33. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexiblefabric or webbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form afirst bottom layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate layer and afourth intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbingis arranged within the third lateral fold of the first flexible fabricor webbing; and wherein the carrying strap further comprises: at leastone cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiber arranged centrally betweenthe third and fourth intermediate layers of the first flexible fabric orwebbing.
 34. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein the first flexiblefabric or webbing has first, second and third lateral folds to form afirst bottom layer, a second top layer, a third intermediate layer and afourth intermediate layer, wherein the second flexible fabric or webbingis arranged within the first, second and third lateral folds of thefirst flexible fabric or webbing; and wherein the carrying strap furthercomprises: at least one cut-resistant monofilament polymer fiberarranged centrally between the third and fourth intermediate layers ofthe first flexible fabric or webbing.
 35. A carrying strap comprising: afirst flexible fabric or webbing; and a cut-resistant polymeric fibermatrix extending longitudinally along or within the first flexiblefabric or webbing, the polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least onepolymeric fiber arranged as a plurality of polymeric fiberintersections, each fiber intersection comprising at least two sectionsof the at least one polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at leastone polymeric fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament,cable, thread or yarn; wherein the first flexible fabric or webbing andcut-resistant polymeric fiber matrix collectively have a cut-resistancelevel to withstand an applied cutting force up to 3,000 grams appliedover 20 mm laterally across the carrying strap.
 36. The carrying strapof claim 35, wherein the polymeric fiber matrix is woven or braided intothe first flexible fabric or webbing.
 37. The carrying strap of claim36, wherein the polymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of warpcut-resistant polymeric fibers, filaments, cables, threads or yarns. 38.A carrying strap comprising: a first flexible fabric or webbing; and asecurity panel assembly coupled to the first flexible fabric or webbing,the security panel assembly comprising: a first flexible material layerhaving a first side and a plurality of edges; and a polymeric fibermatrix arranged on the first side of the first flexible material layer,the polymeric fiber matrix comprising at least one polymeric fiberarranged as a plurality of polymeric fiber intersections or crossings,each fiber intersection or crossing comprising at least two sections ofthe at least one polymeric fiber abutting each other, the at least onepolymeric fiber comprising at least one polymeric fiber, filament,cable, thread or yam; a second flexible material layer arranged adjacentto the polymeric fiber matrix and coupled to the first side of the firstflexible material layer with a plurality of stitches, or with anadhesive, or with both a plurality of stitches and an adhesive.